ARLINGTON, VA - After bouncing back in February from the annual January dip, electronic component orders took a slight downturn in March, according to the monthly order index compiled by the Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association (ECA).

"Many manufacturers believed that this year's first quarter would be a repeat of the strong growth in Q1 2004," said Bob Willis, ECA president. "Depending on what happens with end markets, the fluctuations might continue into the second quarter." 

In addition to general industry caution, Willis sites factors such as the rising price of wholesale oil, trade imbalance and the federal deficit having a dampening effect on the market.

The ECA represents manufacturers and producers of passive and active electronic components, component arrays and assemblies, and materials and support services. It is a sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) that reportedly represents 80% of the U.S. electronics industry.