LONDON — Sales and bookings of electronic components in Europe both declined in the second quarter of 2008 compared with the first quarter of the year according to figures from The International Distribution of Electronics Association (IDEA).

IDEA's second quarter figures reveal that European electronic components distributor total available market (DTAM) is continuing to follow the historic annual trend of a strong first quarter followed by three declining quarters. The book-to-bill ratio was close to unity in Q2 confirming that Q3 is likely to follow the historical trend.

"As is usual, semiconductors are leading the current European Bookings and Billings trend, with a similar pattern being followed by passives, electro-mechs and other products," said Adam Fletcher, vice president of IDEA.

Both the rate of growth in Q1'08 and decline in Q2'08 is flattening out, suggesting a period of stability in the European Electronic Components industry said Fletcher. "This is a welcome surprise, given the decline in exchange rates between the $ and the € over the last twelve months. Perhaps the European electronic components markets are close to finding a new 'natural level' within the global market."

Total European distribution bookings (net sales orders entered) in the second quarter of 2008 declined by 6.2 percent when compared to the first quarter of 2008 and declined by 2.5 percent when compared to the same period last year.

Sector specific bookings changes in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the previous quarter were: semiconductors declined by 7.6 percent; passives by 3.7 percent; whilst electro-mechs and other components declined by 1.1 percent.

Total European distribution billings (net sales invoiced less credits) in the second quarter 2008 declined by 3.1 percent, when compared to the fist quarter 2008 and declined by 3.3 percent when compared to the same period last year. Sector specific billings changes in the second quarter 2008 compared to the previous quarter were: semiconductors declined by 4 percent; passives declined by 2.6 percent; electro-mechs and other components declined by 0.6 percent.

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