Connector tags flat

By Staff -- Purchasing, 8/24/2000

Buyers of electronic connectors haven't seen much of a run-up in prices recently, although manufacturing costs for connectors are rising sharply. In the 12 months ending June 2000, average prices in the U.S. connectors (SIC 3678) industry fell 0.24%. Manufacturing costs, meanwhile, rose 2.75% over the same period. Recent cost escalation is in sharp contrast to a year ago when costs fell 1.09%. Metal stampings, fabricated plastic products, gold and copper costs have all been rising and drove overall materials costs up 5.5% from June 1999 to June 2000. Connector suppliers will no doubt try to push through some price hikes in the second half of 2000.