Sensors and Measurement: Sales up, incoming orders down
AMA Association reports industry development for third quarter of 2022
The AMA Association for Sensor and Measurement (AMA) surveyed its approximately 450 members on economic development. AMA members generated a two percent increase in sales in the third quarter, compared to the previous quarter. Comparing the sales development with the results of the third quarter of 2021, there is a significant increase in sales of 10 percent. Sensor manufacturers supplying the automotive industry posted slight gains, while suppliers to the sensor and measurement technology and electronics sectors performed more weakly.
Incoming orders in the industry developed in the opposite direction in the third quarter, with a drop of three percent compared to the previous quarter. However, the industry remains optimistic and does not expect further declines in new orders in the fourth quarter.
When asked about the threat posed by the impact of the war in Ukraine, nearly half of AMA members fear a very serious threat to their own business. The other half of AMA members do not currently recognize a serious threat to their own company.
"Our industry is sending mixed signals at the moment, which can be explained by the unclear political and economic situation worldwide," says Thomas Simmons, AMA managing director. "Sales growth in sensors and metrology continues to be positive compared to general economic growth. However, incoming orders are weakening for the first time in two years. In my view, however, it is still too early to derive a trend from this. However, the general economic development in the user markets will not leave our industry unscathed."
Sensors and Measurement: Revenue and Order Situation Stable in 2nd Quarter
The AMA Association for Sensors and Measurement (AMA) surveyed its approximately 450 members on economic development in the second quarter. According to its own data, the industry generated revenue of plus one percent in the second quarter, compared with the previous quarter. Compared to the second quarter of 2021, AMA members' sales were up nine percent. AMA members also saw a one percent increase in new orders in the second quarter, compared to the previous quarter.
The slight increase in revenue is about the same for large and smaller AMA members. Sales to the electronics industry performed better than average, while sales to the automotive industry remain difficult, especially for the small and mid-sized companies. The mood of the industry, however, remains positive, with AMA members anticipating an overall four percent increase in sales for the current third quarter. With the positive order trend, short-time work is currently no longer an issue in the industry.
"Despite the uncertainties in the political environment, our industry is currently generating gains in revenue and seeing an increase in new orders," says Thomas Simmons, AMA executive director. "Despite ongoing supply difficulties, our industry was able to significantly increase revenue in the first half of the year and expects a positive development for the current quarter."
Sensor and measurement technology grows despite supply problems and embargo
The AMA Association for Sensors and Meaurement surveys its 450 members quarterly on economic development. The industry reports sales growth of seven percent for the first quarter, compared to the previous quarter. Incoming orders rose eight percent at the beginning of the year. The industry is starting the first quarter of 2022 with positive overall development and expects sales growth of six percent for the second quarter.
If the sensor and measurement technology industry already showed itself with significant growth last year, it continued this trend in the first quarter of 2022. AMA members generated an increase in sales despite the continuing difficulties with suppliers, with incoming orders picking up. This is true for both large and small and Medium-sized (SME) industry members. However, the large companies are more optimistic than the small ones about the prospects for the economic situation.
In terms of sales, AMA members supplying the electronics industry and those supplying the mechanical engineering industry scored particularly well. Among suppliers to the automotive industry, SMEs performed better than the large AMA members.
When asked about the impact of sanctions due to the Ukraine war, 87 percent of AMA members said they are affected. However, AMA members estimate that the embargo has a tolerable seven percent impact on their own operations. However, since the military invasion began, there have been some large price increases in energy and raw materials, thus uncertainty about the overall economic performance of the industry remains high.
"Our members' economic results continue to show an upward trend in the first quarter, " said ThomasSimmons, executive director of the AMA Association for Sensors and Measurement. "The outlook is also positive, with our industry anticipating a six percent increase in sales for the current quarter. The biggest challenge for our industry remains the procurement difficulties that determine our members' ability to deliver."
