Distribution sales of electronic components fell 1.5 percent in 2015 compared to 2014, according to the Electronic Components Industry Association.

Sales for interconnect product were up 5.6 percent year-over-year, electromechanical sales were up 1.5 percent, passive sales were down 2.6 percent and semiconductor sales were down 3.8 percent. Display sales were flat.

Fourth-quarter component sales in North America were down 0.2 percent compared to the third quarter.

Sales for interconnect product were down 0.5 percent quarter on quarter, electromechanical sales up 2.7 percent, passive sales were down 4.6 percent, and semiconductor sales were up 0.1 percent. Display sales were up 8.2 percent.

The distribution channel in Q4 continued to see a lackluster economic environment in North America, however, there are positive signs that electronic component growth could return for 2016.  U.S. manufacturing started the year with a rebound in output and new business growth from the lows seen during December. The U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index picked up to 52.7 in January from the December figure of 51.2, which was a 38 month low, and began to reverse the slow down seen late last year.