Connectors down
The World Connector Business Index (CBI) dropped in December to 3.191 from 3.423 in November. All regions dropped except China, which is now 3.531 from 3.509 in November. Japan is still below 3.000, but improved slightly to 2.901 in December from 2.895 in November.
Softness in new orders is apparent and clearly reflected by the regional CBI indices. Japan, Europe and the United States have experienced declining orders throughout the fourth quarter of 2004. A softening connector demand now appears to be a trend that will continue for a while, probably through the first half of 2005.
China and the rest of Asia continue to be the growth engine for the connector industry.
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