Components Index Reflects Strongest Sales Sentiment in 4+ Years

ATLANTA – ECIA’s January survey of component suppliers delivered its strongest sales sentiment reading in more than 56 months, signaling renewed confidence across the electronics component supply chain.

The overall average index score reached 138 in January and is projected to rise to 143.4 in February. A score of 100 marks the threshold between negative and positive sentiment. January’s result represents the eighth consecutive month above 110 and the strongest performance since the March through May 2021 period.

Despite a drop in the index score of 7.6 points between December and January, the semiconductor category led among the three major segments with a score of 140. With a surge of 16.7 points over the prior month, passive components nearly matched the semiconductor score with an average of 139.6. Electromechanical/connectors improved modestly to 134.5. 

According to survey participants, the electromechanical and passive categories are expected to sustain their strong sales sentiment heading into February, with only minor changes in sentiment. Semiconductors are projected to leap to 154.5. 

Memory ICs are at a record-breaking 180 for January and February. 

“It is very encouraging to see the authorized supply chain participants’ self-image so positive as we begin a new year,” said ECIA chief analyst Dale Ford. He cautioned, however, that supply-demand imbalances in advanced memory ICs pose a significant risk. 

“The severe mismatch between supply and demand for advanced memory ICs presents one of the greatest concerns for the overall health of the electronics components market. Limited supplies of these components could stall sales in other segments. This has emerged as one of the most critical areas of supply chain management heading into 2026.”