But, at the same time Fletcher acknowledged an unusual eight point fall in the B2B ratio. “The decline in the B2B to 0.96.1 in August is unwelcome. However, I believe that we’re simply returning closer to historical reporting levels. The polynomial trend line suggests the B2B ratio is likely to remain positive into Q4‘18”.
Total Monthly Billings (net sales invoiced less credits) increased by 4% in comparison to the previous month, and by 12% when compared to the same month last year.
Fletcher believes that manufacturing output is flatlining in the UK due to weaker domestic and export demand, but increasing vendor delivery times and availability of raw materials continues to be a global problem, as does rising input prices. “Brexit is causing a lot of uncertainty inthe UK, whilethe risk of an escalation of the trade war between the US and Chinais doing absolutely nothing positive for international markets,” Fletcher said.
“TheSales by Month “three month moving average” for all electronic components suggests continued but slowingUK growth into Q4‘18, which is broadly in-line with historical results and forecasts”, Fletcher concluded. “There has certainly been a slight decline in customer sentiment from earlier in the year but overall the outlook for our domestic electronic components industry remains strong…”