The European components distribution market declined in Q4, ending a long period of growth, according to DMASS. Distributors and manufacturers in DMASS reported consolidated sales of 4.45 billion Euro in Q4/2023 (-17.3% compared to Q4/22). Semiconductors dropped to 3.1 billion Euro (-18.5%), IP&E (Interconnect, Passive and Electromechanical) components declined by 14.3% to 1.35 billion Euro. For the total year 2023, DMASS reported consolidated sales of 21 billion Euro (+0.2%), beating former record 2022 by a narrow margin. All the 2023 growth came from semiconductors (+4%), while IP&E dropped by 7.7%.   Hermann Reiter, chairman of DMASS commented: “The expected slowdown was softened by a very good first half of 2023, resulting in another record year. Admittedly, distribution revenues were driven by orders and sales brought forward from 2024, inflating 2023 results significantly. The consequence is that we are now facing a market contraction that bring the business back in line…