UK authorised distributors have a positive December despite semiconductor slow down
The figures from the afdec group within Electronic Components Supply Network (ecsn) show that year on year the results were flat and that there was a 7% decline compared to November 2017. These figures are due to a 5% drop in semiconductor sales. Other areas of the industry held up better, with passives showing a 12% increase and electro-mechanical components increasing by 6%. Bookings in December ’17 also showed a 7% decline compared to the previous month but grew by 10% compared to the same month in 2016.
ecsn chairman, Adam Fletcher thinks that the figures suggest that the first quarter of 2018 will show a slowing, in contrast to historical first quarter figures. Fletcher said. “The Book-to-Bill ratio in December ‘17 remained ‘flat’ at1.11:1 but the polynomial trend line suggests that a positive B2B ratio into Q1‘18 is likely.”
The Markit/CIPS UK Purchasing Manufacturing Index (PMI) showed a 2 point decline, after 17 months of positive growth. Consumer sales are still weak, but there is growth for intermediate and investment goods in Europe, USA, China and the Middle East.
Fletcher added, “ecsn afdec members will continue to invest carefully in inventory in-line with customer demand and extending manufacturer lead-times to support their customers and provide a vital link in balancing the supply and demand needs in the UK electronic components market”.
More Information
www.ecsn-uk.org
Related News
Mouser adds Keysight instruments to distribution offering
Laser-based “no-touch” touch sensor system, in distribution
German Distribution Market Continues to Experience High Growth Levels
Adafruit’s ‘watch-format’ dev. board for wearables, in distribution
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :