February 2026, Vol. 2

MONTHLY POS REPORT

As we close out 2025, we note that December was about 15.5 percent over the POS Index that we’ve been using to track activity. The fourth quarter ran slightly behind a strong Q3 number; however, the year finished on a high note. 2025 ended up a little over 3 percent from 2024. We will be tracking a new year beginning next month and will spell out the parameters along with a forecast for 2026. Read full report.

INDUSTRY NEWS

> The Federal Reserve Bank of New York published a study that found that 90 percent of this year’s tariffs were paid by U.S. firms and consumers. Read more.

> Big tech is ramping up data center construction around the U.S., with Texas, Tennessee, Ohio and Wisconsin emerging as major markets. Read more.

> You may need to master self-leadership before finding success leading others. Here are the three pillars of self-leadership and how this will help in the age of A.I.

INDUSTRY SURVEY RESULTS

The February 2026 ERA Electronic Components Industry Trend Survey is now closed.

View results from 2024-2026.

ERA NEWS

> We’ll see many of you in Austin in a few days for the 2026 ERA Conference!

Attendees, be sure to read the 2026 ERA Conference Details & Reminders page, with all of the information you need to know about badges, the Conference app, First-Timers orientation, schedule, venue and more.

> The Winter 2026 Representor is now out! This issue’s cover story dives deep into a game-changing concept: Turning friction into fuel. Shane Zutz writes about how successful teams take inevitable tensions and transform them into a competitive advantage. Read it!

Also in this issue: Executive Commentary, XCOM Digest, Rising Stars Q&A, Someone You Should Know Q&A, legal and tax columns, and more!

Read the interactive PDF version.

>If you’re attending the 2026 EDS Summit in May, you may be interested in attending this informational pre-event webinar, with a Q&A session — live on Zoom, Friday, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m. EST.

Register: https://lnkd.in/g7z4CSp9.

CHAPTER EVENTS & NEWS

ERA’s many regional chapters in the U.S., Europe and Mexico host many important events during the year. We encourage you to attend a local ERA chapter event soon! View entire ERA events calendar.

• Pacific-Northwest ERA — Save the date: Golf tournament will be Friday, Aug. 21
• CERA will open applications soon for its annual scholarship for dependents of CERA members — stay tuned!
• Annual Chapter Leadership Council (CLC) meeting will take place at the ERA Conference next week — Tues., Feb. 24 at 7:00 AM CT in Salon J on the 6th floor of the Hilton Austin.