Component orders rise as usual in February

ARLINGTON, Va., March 11, 2008 – Over the last five years, February has been good to the electronic components industry and it was no different last month: Orders bounced back after a January downturn, according to the four-to-five-week index compiled by the Electronic Components Association (ECA).  The 12-month average continued its almost imperceptible rise that has been happening since last August.

“February was business as usual for the electronic components industry,” says Bob Willis, ECA president.  “As for the future, we’ll get some real insight into where the industry is moving next week.”

Next week is CARTS USA 2008, March 17-20 in Newport Beach, Calif.  Market seminars on the first day will focus on both big and small outlooks.  At the morning seminar, economic experts will examine the forces that impact the global electronics industry, including the American economy, emerging markets, and the China juggernaut.  In the afternoon, iSuppli will show what’s inside today’s leading consumer gadgets, and Dennis Zogbi, CEO and founder of Paumanok Publications, will share his analysis and predictions on where the passive electronic components industry is heading.

CARTS USA 2008 features more than 30 technical sessions focusing on applications, a technical seminar on MEMS technology, exhibits, and networking activities.  Information and online registration are available at: www.ec-central.org/CARTSUSA