TAIPEI -- Taiwan-owned PCB fabricators expect to set a new record for sales in 2019, slightly topping last year's previous high.

Revenues are forecast to finish the year at around NT$656 billion ($21.74 billion), up from NT$651.4 billion ($21.6 billion) a year ago.

The nation's fabricators derive the majority of their revenues from their China operations. Domestic production makes up about $7.7 billion, or about 35% of total sales, based on data compiled by Dr. Hayao Nakahara of N. T. Information. 

The data are compiled by the Taiwan Printed Circuit Association (TPCA), which credits higher shipments of rigid-flex boards, high-end IC substrates and HDI boards for the gains. Rigid-flex board demand grew 54% in value over last year, while IC substrates rose 8%, offset in part by lower demand for rigid PCBs.

Those substrates are designed for TWS (true wireless stereo) earbuds, triple-lens modules for handsets, 5G, automotive and LiDAR end-products, TPCA said.

The industry has recovered after starting the year slowly. Sales were down 3.4% year-over-year in the first quarter, but gained momentum in the June period. 

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