Front End | Electronic Components Supply Network


beyond what they actually require: the Nordic region for example reported a B2B of 1.27:1, which is too high, and neither helpful or sustainable. If this trend continues and is replicated on a global scale it would very quickly cause lead-times to artificially extend further, triggering a vicious circle that would only exacerbate global supply network problems.


Concluding thoughts


Despite the additional and unexpected headwinds caused by the US’s geopolitical activity in January ’26, ecsn / afdec UK / Ireland electronic components market members are standing by their forecast for 2026 of 4%-to-3% growth in 1H’26, but only time will tell. I encourage all players in the electronic components supply network to actively and positively engage


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with their partners. A greater focus on forward planning probably won’t eliminate the risk of some component shortages in 2026 but it might help to avoid a repeat of the mass shortages experienced throughout the global electronic components market in 2022/3.


For information


Adam Fletcher is chairman of the Electronic Components Supply Network (ecsn), a business association established in 1970 that today offers support to all organisations with an interest in electronic components throughout their entire lifecycle. He is also chairman of the International Distribution of Electronics Association (IDEA), an association of individual country electronic components associations whose objective is to arrive at and share best industry practice.


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Are you looking to reach out to Design Engineers, Buyers and Specifiers within the Medical, Automotive, Defence/Military and Aerospace industries?


To discuss the wide array of promotional opportunities, CONTACT Tony Patman | tpatman@cieonline.co.uk | 01622 687031


Sophie scott | sscott@cieonline.co.uk | 01622 699193 www.cieonline.co.uk Components in Electronics February 2026 13


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