electronica 2024 challenges European downturn

The final figures from the electronica 2024 exhibition and conference in Munich this week reflect and challenge the downturn in the wider market, particularly in Germany.

The show saw 80,000 visitors from around 100 countries and regions with 3,480 exhibitors from 59 countries and regions, with 76 percent from outside Germany. After Germany, the top 10 visitor countries were: Italy, China, France, Austria, United Kingdom, Switzerland, USA, Spain, Netherlands and Poland.

This was down on pre-pandemic levels, but was up on the 70,000 visitors from 48 countries and 2,144 exhibitors in 2022. The attendance compares to  81,471 trade visitors and 3,124 exhibitors in 2018 before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite high profile launches of the first 64bit Texas Instruments C2000 microcontroller, the first Infineon Aurix TC4x Tricore microcontroller and the NXP i.MX94 multicore processor, the European industry is in the middle of a downturn in the industry, as highlighted by Nordic Semiconductor, Infineon Technologies and automotive supplier Schaeffler all down-sizing. But Mouser highlighted the opportunity of investing during the downturn to take advantage of the recovery in an interview with eeNews Europe for the show.

“I am confident that recovery is on the horizon, even for the electronic compo­nents sector, which has experienced a significant decline in sales after several strong years in Germany. What matters is that the framework conditions in Germany improve quickly,” said Dr. Gunther Kegel, President of the German Electro and Digital Industry Association (ZVEI).

The event also saw the first special edition combining coverage from eeNews Europe and Elektor distributed at the show.

“For 60 years, electronica has been the central meeting place for the global electronics industry. This year’s trade fair here in Munich, a leading technology hub, was once again an impressive demonstration of the industry’s innovative strength. In the halls, visitors were able to see firsthand how future technologies are already taking shape—from intelligent energy solutions to smart mobility—and the vital role the electronics industry plays in making this happen,” said Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, CEO of Messe München.

“electronica 2024 was more international than ever. We are delighted that the trade fair was once again held at the same high level as before the pandemic and that the atmosphere was very positive despite the challenging times,” says Exhibition Director Katja Stolle. “Walking through the halls and talking to people, you could once again feel the unmistakable electronica spirit,” adds Caroline Pannier, Deputy Exhibition Director, who will take over the management of electronica in December.

Automotive

There was a strong focus on automotive. The electronica Automotive Conference brought together international specialists and leaders from across the supply chain to discuss the current challenges facing the industry.

This was followed in the evening by the renowned CEO Roundtable with CEOs Jean-Marc Chery of STMicroelectronics, Jochen Hanebeck of Infineon Technologies and Kurt Sievers of NXP Semiconductors along with special guest Barbara Bergmeier, Executive Director of Industrial Operations at Jaguar Land Rover.

With a focus on automotive electrification, the show saw European news from Calterah, a 3nm 38 core controller chip from Renesas alongside an 8-in-1 digital axle and an R82AE hypervisor for software defined vehicles. Microswitches, MEMS sensors and 6 axis IMU and new certified C libraries highlighted the innovation in the region for automated driving.

SEMICON Europa took place at the same time in two halls.

“SEMICON Europa, strategically co-located with electronica, brought together industry leaders from across the supply chain to share insights on the advancements driving sustainable growth in the semiconductor sector,” said Laith Altimime, President of SEMI Europe. “Record attendance and a sold-out exhibition area — SEMI is thrilled with this year’s results.

The next electronica will take place from November 10 to 13, 2026.