Bob Willis, president of the US Electronic Components Association (ECA), said its members remain optimistic about the outlook in the face of an uncertain economic climate.
Orders dipped in April, following a roller-coaster pattern that has prevailed over the past six months.
The 12-month average remained relatively flat, according to the monthly index compiled by the ECA.
Yet despite ominous economic news, Willis said his members were upbeat while conceding that growth is unlikely to match that of last year.