The sales by month “three month moving average” for all electronic components remains in-line with historical trends, says Adam Fletcher, chairman of the Electronic Components Supply Network. This suggests continued growth into 1H 2018, and the polynomial trend line implies a positive B2B ratio is likely to continue into Q2 2018.
Authorised Distributors enjoyed a strong finish to Q1 2018, although the results for the quarter were at the lower end of the Association’s forecast guidance of 10%-16% growth. “Whilst UK customers remain positive about their business prospects in 2018, the Q1 result does suggest a slowing in the underlying growth rate”, Fletcher explains. His conclusions are much in line with the findings of Markit/CIPS and the Office for National Statistics. “The uptick in inventory levels reported by our afdec members is further evidence that customer billings are lower than market expectations,” he continues, “but as we move into Q2 2018, I’m confident that the 8%-12% growth range our members forecast will be achieved.”