In Asia, mostly Taiwan and China, the shipment growth between October and February has declined from 35% to 20%. However, this figure should rise again in March.

The value of European shipments is growing, but this can be attributed to a weak Dollar rather than a growth in actual shipments. When measured in €, European end market growth is much more modest.

Japan remains soft as the strong yen is hurting exports. Despite weak local demand, U.S. exports are up — benefiting from the weak dollar. Domestic electronic equipment shipments were still growing in early 2008, Global SMT reports.