Published by
"Our work has only just begun!"
“The European economy remains resilient in 2025, but is coming under increasing pressure from geopolitical tensions and global trade disruptions. Our work has only just begun!”
After three years of contraction, the electronic component distribution market recorded a modest sales increase of 1.2% in Q3 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to FBDi e.V. The book-to-bill ratio stood at 1.0 in Q3 this year, with bookings significantly exceeding the same quarter last year by 33.1% - a glimmer of hope, but not yet a reason for relief.
The situation varies greatly depending on the product group:
Semiconductors achieved a stable result with sales of €477.5 million (BtB 0.98), while bookings were well above the previous year (+47.0%). MOS micro logic (+64.8%), memory (+63.4%) and discrete components (+61.2%) saw particularly dynamic bookings.
IPE (interconnects, passive and electromechanical) products held steady year-on year, with sales of €268.7 million (an increase of 0.1% and a BtB of 1.05); bookings, however, exceeded significantly the prior-year’s quarter by 19.4%.
The FBDi outlook for 2025 and beyond: A turning point for the electronics industry
The electronics industry is at the centre of global upheaval, yet simultaneously on the verge of renewed strength and relevance. Extended delivery times, volatile inventories, and dependence on critical raw materials from Asia have exposed underlying vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, the growing demand for semiconductors and IPE products is driving innovation and growth.
'Just-in-case' is replacing 'just-in-time', and the 'cautious merchant' is evolving into the 'strategic investor of tomorrow'. Resilience is no longer just a buzzword; it is a paradigm shift, and the industry seems ready to actively steer this change more than ever before.
It's time for Europe to take control instead of just administering things
Europe must not lose itself between the blocs anymore. We must actively influence global dynamics and our position within them. Resilience and growth begin with joint investments, coordinated industrial policy, and a European plan for key technologies.
This is also increasing the pressure for political action within the EU. Nineteen EU heads of government are calling for a more coherent and efficient economic area. The challenges are obvious and real, but so is our determination to shape the future. We must rethink, revitalise and transform Europe's economic power with determination.
The FBDi demands: 'Integration now — not later!'
“We are witnessing in real time how the challenges exceed the capacities of individual economies,” says Andreas Falke, Managing Director of the FBDi. "Only coordinated strategies, joint investments and a European plan for key industries can create stability and technological independence." Integration is not just a phrase; it is an economic necessity for resilience and the ability to act, as well as being vital for Europe's role as a shaping economic area.
About Der FBDi e.V.
Fachverband der Bauelemente Distribution e.V. (www.fbdi.de):
Founded in 2003, FBDi e.V. is an established player in the German association landscape and bundles the interests of its members from the distribution sector, who represent around three quarters of the sales volume of electronic components in Central Europe (DACH). In doing so, it oversees the entire electronics value chain.
In addition to the preparation and further development of data on the Central European distribution market, competence teams on important regulatory topics in the electronics industry (including CE, directives and ordinances) generate a high level of market-related competence. This qualifies the FBDi as a sought-after partner for politics, electronics manufacturers and customers.
Through its membership in the international distribution association IDEA, the FBDi exchanges information with other associations at the European level.