In March, global design activities remained flat, while global sourcing activities increased compared to the prior month.
March Design Activities:
- Global design activities remained elevated in March; however, month-over-month growth fell below seasonal expectations.
- Historically, global design activity increases an average of +10% from February to March, but this year’s growth came in softer than the long-term trend.
- Despite remaining at a high level, the lower-than-expected month-over-month performance contributed to a moderation in quarterly results.
March Sourcing Activities:
- Global sourcing activities outperformed the seasonal average in March, increasing +26% month-over-month, compared to the historical +20% average increase typically seen during the same period.
- This stronger-than-normal seasonal lift indicates continued resilience in sourcing demand heading into Q2.
Calendar Q1 2026 Results:
- For the quarter, global design activity decreased −5% quarter-over-quarter, driven primarily by the softer-than-expected increase in March activity levels.
- Global sourcing activity performed in line with expectations, increasing +13% versus Q4 2025, supported by strong March momentum.
Q2 2026 Outlook:
- Looking ahead to Q2 2026, global design activities are expected to increase approximately +3% quarter-over-quarter.
- Global sourcing activities are forecasted to remain relatively stable, ranging from flat to a −4% quarter-over-quarter decline.