The German components distribution market has finished the third quarter of 2016 with a little decline. The revenues of the member companies dropped by 3.4% to 802 Mio. €. In contrast orders rose by 0.5% (809 Mio. Euro). With 1.1 the resulting book-to-bill remains in the positive range.

The decline is also due to a technical effect, as for companies, who account according to fiscal year and not to calendar month, the quarter was one entire week longer. Without this effect the sales result would be balanced.

Semiconductor sales declined by 2.6% to 565 Mio. Euro (incoming orders: 555 Mio. Euro), which corresponds to 70% of the total sales. With a minus of 2.4% passive components generated slightly less sales, equivalent to 111 Mio. Euro (incoming orders: 116 Mio. Euro), corresponding to a share of 14% of total sales. Electromechanical components slipped down by 5% to 74 Mio. Euro, which accounts to a share of 9%. Other components: displays -25% (specific effect), sensors -0.1%, power supplies 7.9%. 

FBDi Chairman of the board Georg Steinberger says: „With almost 4% sales growth 2016 remains a solid year for the distribution. In view of the uncertainties on the total market – i.e. scandal on exhaust gas, slower growth in China, political uncertainties in and around Europe – the German high-tech market proves to be very robust. Also, due to the actual order situation it is unlikely that the outlook will deteriorate drastically during the coming year.”

“However, the massive consolidation is a challenge especially to the manufacturers of semiconductors”, says Steinberger. “With the worldwide semiconductor market remaining week, companies seek to create synergies by acquisitions, and to optimize earnings through pressure on the sales channel. This is neither good for customers nor for distributors. It is simply not sustainable.”

About FBDI e. V. (www.fbdi.de):

The FBDi e.V. – Fachverband der Bauelemente Distribution e.V. (Professional Association of Component Distribution), founded in 2003, is well-established in the German association community and represents a large portion of distributors of electronic components with operations in Germany. In addition to the preparation and advancement of numerical data and statistics concerning the German distribution market for electronic components, work group engagement and reporting on important industry themes (amongst others, education, liability and rights, traceability, and environmental themes) form essential pillars of the association’s work. The FBDi is a member of the International Distribution of Electronics Association (IDEA).

Member companies (as of November 2016):

Acal BFi Germany, Arrow Central Europe, Avnet EM EMEA (EBV, Avnet Abacus, Silica, Avnet Memec, MSC Technologies), Beck Elektronische Bauelemente, CODICO, Conrad Electronic SE, ECOMAL Europe, Endrich Bauelemente, EVE, Farnell, Future Electronics Deutschland, Haug Components Holding, Hy-Line Holding, JIT electronic, Kruse Electronic Components, MB Electronic, Memphis Electronic, MEV Elektronik Service, Mouser Electronics, pk components, RS Components, Rutronik Elektronische Bauelemente, Schukat electronic, Distrelec Schuricht, SHC, TTI Europe.

Supporting members: elotronics, FCI Electronics, TDK Europe.