WASHINGTON, DC – The latest ECIA Industry Pulse survey shows a decline in August sales sentiment, with the overall index falling from 121.6 in July to 113.2 – well below the July forecast of 127.5. Despite this miss, optimism remains strong as participants project a rebound in September, with sentiment expected to rise to 130.2. Passive and electro-mechanical components led August’s results with index scores of 116.1 and 115.0, while semiconductors trailed at 108.3.

WASHINGTON, DC – Global smartphone production reached 300 million units in the second quarter, marking a 4% quarter-over-quarter and 4.8% year-over-year increase, according to TrendForce. The rebound was fueled by seasonal demand and stronger output from brands such as Oppo and Transsion, which benefited from completing inventory adjustments.

STARA ZAGORA, BULGARIA – Videoton EAS’s Bulgarian subsidiary, VEAS Bulgaria, has officially entered the automotive sector with the launch of serial production of electronic modules for lighting systems. The milestone follows a Certificate of Compliance received last December and successful validation by a leading automotive manufacturer in August .

SOUTHLAKE, TX – Variosystems has relaunched its 65,000 sq-ft facility in Southlake, Texas, expanding its North American electronics manufacturing services (EMS). The redesigned site was unveiled on September 9, in a celebration joined by Mayor Shawn McCaskill, the Southlake City Council, employees and partners.