2025 was a year of challenges, reports the ITSA. Tariffs, tantrums and threats, but despite all of this the stock markets remained buoyant, the UK connector market grew again, and ITSA members enjoyed a reasonably positive year.
Interconnect revenues grew 5% in 2025, very much in line with members projections. However, orders did not grow, so 2026 starts with a slightly decreased order backlog.
A positive sign is that members distribution revenues were up 12% which has historically led to increased OEM revenues and ITSA key strategic markets were all positive.
- Mass Transport up 57% (linked to key rolling stock and infrastructure projects)
- Medical up 12%
- Mil/Aero up 2%
- Test & Measurement down 13%
- Automotive up 22%
- Data down 4%
- Comms down 7%
At a technology level all key interconnect products were up with the exception of RF, however, this has to be offset by the increase of 41% in members value add activity which indicates a focus on things such as cable assemblies and sub systems which incorporate a lot of RF interconnect.
For 2026, members are looking at low single digit growth again but this could be higher as there are a lot of key programmes in the pipeline for 2026 and beyond.
