IPC Releases PCB Industry Results for October: North American PCB Sales Growth Continues but at a Slower Pace

IPC — Association Connecting Electronics Industries® announced today the October 2018 findings from its North American Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Statistical Program. Year-over-year sales and order growth were positive in October, and the book-to-bill ratio held steady at 1.04.

Total North American PCB shipments in October 2018 were up 5.3 percent compared to the same month last year. This year to date, shipments are 9.7 percent above the same period last year. Compared to the preceding month, October shipments decreased 11.9 percent.

PCB bookings in October were up 2.2 percent year-over-year. Year-to-date order growth was 8.5 percent above the same period last year. Bookings in October were up 0.4 percent from the previous month.

“The North American PCB industry sales growth trend continued for the 14th consecutive month and order growth rebounded, but the downward trend in order growth rates seen in recent months is now reflected in slower sales growth” said Sharon Starr, IPC’s director of market research. “We have seen a long period of growth. Book-to-bill ratios have been above parity for 21 straight months, which indicates the likelihood of continued sales growth at least for the rest of this year.”

Note: The January 2018-March 2018 ratios have been revised since their original publication due to updated data from statistical program participants.

Note: The January 2018-March 2018 growth rates have been revised since their original publication due to updated data from statistical program participants.