The German components distribution market finished the first quarter of 2016 with growth of just under 10%, continuing the positive trend of the second half of 2015. The turnover of 859m Euro was the second highest quarterly sales since the founding of the FBDi (only Q1/CY11, the Fukushima quarter, was higher). Orders showed an increase of 7.5%, with a solid book-to-bill rate of 0.99.
The varying growth rates within technologies also continued in Q1 2016. Semicnductor growth was slightly above the average at 10.5%, passive components, at 7% were marginally lower. Overall, semiconductors achieved sales of 599m Euro, passive components posted 119m and electromechanical components sales were 80m Euro.
In contrast, other technologies gained significantly: displays soared 32.6%, sensors grew 23.4% and power supplies by 16.1%. But, compared with semiconductors they are at a much lower sales level: semiconductors represent 69.8% of total sales, passive components 13.9%, electromechanical components 9.4%, displays 3.3%, power supplies 2.6% and sensors 0.7%.
Georg Steinberger, FBDi Chairman of the board, says: “Without the exchange rate fluctuations of the last two years, 2016 is looking surprisingly solid, at least up to now. Compared to other countries in Europe, Germany is again clearly above the average. Given the actual favourable order situation, a similar good result can be expected for Q2.”
Whether this trend will actually continue, does not only depend on industry factors, according to Steinberger: “There are many positive signals from a technical point of view – IoT, Smart Industry – as well as from a regional view -termination of the sanctions on Iran, US elections – which may have strong influence on the high-tech industry on the demand of components. However, with the erosion of the EU, not the least from a looming Brexit, we see a lasting danger for the economic development, also in Germany.”
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