BANNOCKBURN, IL – Total North American EMS shipments in November were up 0.2% compared to the same month last year, according to IPC's North American EMS Statistical Program.

Compared to the preceding month, November shipments decreased 1.4%. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.23.

EMS bookings in November decreased 10.1% year-over-year and increased 4.3% from the previous month.

"Despite a small rise in new orders this month, the year-to-date trend deteriorated to its lowest point in 2023," said Shawn DuBravac, IPC chief economist. "With one month remaining in the year, shipments should end the year higher compared to last year, despite weak order flow."

The book-to-bill ratios are calculated by dividing the value of orders booked over the past three months by the value of sales billed during the same period from companies in IPC’s survey sample. A ratio of more than 1.00 suggests that current demand is ahead of supply, which is a positive indicator for sales growth over the next three to twelve months. A ratio of less than 1.00 indicates the reverse.