ARLINGTON, VA – Sales confidence across the electronic components industry remains firmly positive, according to the latest monthly and quarterly Industry Pulse surveys from the Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA).

The February index rose to 139.7, up from 138 in January, marking the ninth consecutive month of strong positive sentiment across all major component categories. The outlook for March is even stronger, with a projected index of 141.1, extending a streak in which every subcategory has remained above the 100 threshold that separates growth from contraction.

Quarterly data reinforces this momentum. In the first quarter, 71% of respondents reported positive sales growth, with expectations rising slightly to 72% for the second quarter. Only a small fraction of participants - 2% in Q1 and 4% in Q2 - anticipated declines, while no respondents in the semiconductor segment forecast negative growth across both quarters.

Distributors continue to lead in optimism, posting sentiment levels near 160 for February and March, well ahead of manufacturers and manufacturer representatives, which reported scores between 119 and 130. Despite the gap, all groups maintained positive outlooks across every segment.

End-market demand also remains strong, with the overall index nearing 146 in February, the highest level since May 2021, and expected to rise further in March. Avionics, military, space and industrial markets posted the strongest results, while even lower-performing segments such as consumer electronics and mobile devices remained solidly positive.

Lead time pressures showed signs of easing in semiconductors, with reports of increasing lead times dropping from 52% in January to 39% in February. However, declining lead times remain rare across all component categories. At the same time, ongoing supply constraints in advanced memory ICs continue to pose a key risk, with limited availability potentially restricting growth in other segments.

Overall, ECIA said the data points to a stable and expanding sales environment through the first half of the year, barring unexpected disruptions, supported by continued demand for next-generation electronic technologies.

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