ATLANTA – According to ECIA’s most recent Covid-19 survey ended June 12, responses across a range of measures reflect renewing optimism among supply chain participants consistent with improvements seen in general business metrics.

The outlook for end-markets improved in every sector except medical electronics, which already presented the brightest future. All of this has resulted in a boost in confidence in order backlogs for every component category and every end market, says ECIA.

The challenges of the pandemic remain, and concerns regarding a second wave continue, but employment numbers, retail sales data and stock market performance metrics are improving, the trade group added.

The health of the supply chain and outlook for improvement are brightening, the firm said. “The survey presents a picture of renewed optimism, as concern about impact on the supply chain and extended lead times fell significantly for all major component categories: passives, electro-mechanical and semiconductors,” said chief analyst Dale Ford. “This survey saw concerns about nearly every stage of the supply chain, including end-market demand, reduce substantially.”

The computer and data processing, telecom infrastructure and defense/aerospace markets saw the biggest jump in confidence in future growth. The most recent results show 74% of respondents projecting growth in medical electronics, followed by 53% for computers and data processing and 40% for telecom infrastructure. Consumer electronics, including smartphones and tablets, saw a change, with significant groups shifting from “no change” or “don’t know” to both increasing and declining growth expectations. In consumer electronics, 31% now expect growth, with 46% projecting a decline. The overall average for end market performance has 37% expecting growth and 42% predicting a decline.

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