FRANKFURT – The German area printed circuit board industry closed the second quarter of 2021 with the highest level of incoming orders since 2019, growing 129% year-over-year, according to ZVEI.

Sales stagnated, but cancellations due to long delivery times may correct values on the sales side, the association says.

The book-to-bill ratio was 1.33 in the first quarter, positive growth for the fourth reporting period in a row.

Business expectations have waned slightly on a sequential basis, says ZVEI. While 33% of respondents during the first quarter expected further improvement in the economy, the number has dropped to 21%. As of the first quarter, two-thirds expected the economy to continue to be positive into the spring quarter. In the second quarter, however, that number fell to 58%. Expectations of a worsening economy are the result of a tense supply situation and a shortage of skilled workers, the firm says.

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