ARLINGTON, VA -- Electronic component orders took another leap in March, mimicking increases in January, according to the monthly report compiled by the Electronic Components Association.

After a breather in February, the four-to-five week index shot upward in March. The 12-month average, comparing this year's results to last year's, continued an ascent that began last summer.

ECA's monthly report consolidates order information collected in confidence from leading electronic component manufacturers, almost all of which are reporting higher orders than at this time last year. Based on Asian and U.S. market forecasts, the increase in orders likely stems from a combination of strong customer demand and stockpiling to offset possible shortages in the future.

"There's optimism among manufacturers that business is on the comeback trail," said Bob Willis, ECA president, in a press release. "Given the lessons of the past, this isn't an over-exuberant optimism, but the vital signs indicating a recovery are all good.