BANNOCKBURN, IL – IPC today reported total North American printed circuit board shipments were down 2.1% in March compared to the same month last year. Orders decreased 2.3% year-over-year.

Year to date, PCB shipments were down 4.4%, and orders were down 5.1%. Sequentially, PCB shipments in March increased 20%, and orders grew 22.2%.

The book-to-bill ratio for the North American PCB industry continued to strengthen in March, reaching 1.08, IPC says.

A ratio of more than one suggests that current demand is ahead of supply, which is a positive indicator for sales growth over the next three to six months.

 “Although sales and orders continued slightly below 2012 levels, the North American PCB industry returned to normal seasonal patterns in March,” said Sharon Starr, IPC director of market research. “It is especially encouraging to see the book-to-bill ratio continue to rise in March for the fourth straight month, a good indication that sales will strengthen during the coming months.”

In March, 83% of total PCB shipments were domestically produced.

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