BANNOCKBURN, IL — Total North American PCB shipments in April were up 2.1% year-over-year and down 20.4% sequentially.

PCB year-to-date orders for the month were down 14.3% compared to the same period last year. Orders fell 5.4% sequentially.

The April book-to-bill ratio was 1.03, down from 1.04 in March. A ratio of more than one suggests current demand is ahead of supply, which is a positive indicator for sales growth over the next three to twelve months.

“PCB shipments have been marginally stronger than bookings through the first four months of the year. Shipments are up 6.7% compared to a decline in bookings of 2.6%,” said Shawn DuBravac, IPC’s chief economist. “The disconnect between shipments and orders is likely driven by backlogs for other components. Companies are disinclined to place PCB orders if they are waiting on other components. Despite strong shipments, the book-to-bill remains above one.”

• Prev
• Next