Component orders slow

The Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association noted on Dec. 10 that orders remained flat in November for the sixth straight month and the first quarter of the new year will probably be similar.

Positive signs from the semiconductor industry could change the flat-growth trend if the 20 percent predicted growth materializes in the first quarter of 2003. The spurt would tend to jumpstart the overall electronics components industry.

Order lead times have shortened to two or three months from the three to six months in “good times.” Today’s cautious environment indicates a slow start for early 2003.