ARLINGTON, VA -- Electronic component orders swung upward again in May, according to the monthly order index compiled by the Electronic Components Association.

The 12-month average, comparing this year’s results to last year’s, continued an ascent that began last summer.

ECA’s monthly report consolidates order information collected in confidence from leading electronic component manufacturers. The rise in orders reflects a combination of market optimism and fear of shortages, according to Bob Willis, ECA president.

“Manufacturers are responding to current and future electronics growth and don’t want to slow momentum by getting caught short of inventory,” Willis said.

Research firm iSuppli recently reported that hot first-quarter demand in Asian markets fueled a 22.7% jump in PC sales over the same period last year. Earlier in the year, iSuppli predicted a mild increase in the global consumer electronics market of 1.6% over last year.