BANNOCKBURN, IL -- Printed circuit board sales fell 13% year-over-year in 2009, but will rebound this year, according to IPC officials.

An IPC committee made up of consultants and suppliers to the PWB industry forecasts 12% growth this year, according to its latest report.

World PCB production was an estimated $44.2 billion in 2009, IPC said.

The North America market fell 17% year-over-year to $3.43 billion, dropping its market share to 8%. Meanwhile, Asia's share of the world market has hit a record 86%. China's share is 34%, which puts its market size at $15 billion. Some analysts have forecast China's PWB market growth this year alone will exceed the value of the entire North America market.

The rebound begun last summer will continue through at least 2011, the committee said. "The good news is that the upswing started in mid-2009 and is continuing," says IPC director of market research Sharon Starr. "Our committee is projecting 12% growth in the PCB industry worldwide this year, and somewhat slower growth in 2011."

Growth of 12% would put the market at $49.7 billion in 2010.

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