ARLINGTON, VA -- Electronic component orders grew for the sixth straight month in December, boosted by PC shipments, an industry trade group said today.

The monthly report by the Electronic Components Association, noted a strong recovery for PC shipments, especially laptops, citing data from IDC projecting 10.3% unit growth.

"We're seeing a confluence of positive factors, including manufacturers building up inventory, better-than-expected consumer spending, and the prospect of greater IT purchases in the new year," ECA president Bob Willis said in a press release.

Component orders are seen as a leading indicator for printed circuit board sales.

ECA's data are based on order information collected from leading component manufacturers.