FRANKFURT -- Germany region printed circuit board manufacturers reported sales fell 3% year-over-year in April, as reported by ZVEI-Fachverband PCB and Electronic Systems.

Sales per working day rose 13.6% in April 2017 than in the previous year. The number of work days this year was three fewer than in April 2016, however.

Year to date, sales are up 5% from 2016.

Orders in April fell 15% sequentially, but remain up 14% year to date.

The book-to-bill ratio fell 17 basis points sequentially to 0.97 in April. Year to date the ratio is 1.09, meaning 1.09 euros worth of boards have been ordered for every 100 euros shipped.

The number of employees at Germany area PCB manufacturers rose by 6.3% in April compared to the previous year.