TAIWAN - Asustek is expected to outsource over 50% of its branded motherboard manufacturing to outside OEMs by the end of 2008, as well as outsourcing notebook products approximately 15%, according to an industry report citing predictions by electronic industry watchers.

According to the report, while Asustek and its division Unihan Technology have already separated, market watchers commented that the percentage of Asustek's product outsourcing to Unihan is still high, indicating that the spin-off is not complete.

ARLINGTON, VA - The Electronics Component Assembly and Materials Association (ECA) reports that most researchers are predicting the electronic components market in 2008 will grow at about the same rate or slightly better than 2007, with supply and demand for electronic components continuing to look good.

Following an increase in December, orders slowed in January, according to the ECA’s four-to-five week average index, continuing that the previous 12-month average remained relatively flat.

In addition, the Consumer Electronics Association predicted last month that the consumer products market will grow 6.1% this year, fueled by a 13% growth in TV sales, a 173% increase in next-generation DVD players, and 50% growth in video game consoles.

iSuppli also forecasts a 7% rise in worldwide electronics equipment revenue, driven primarily by data processing and wireless communications markets.