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Rigid PCBs Down, Flex Up in June
July 25, 2008 |Estimated reading time: 1 minute
BANNOCKBURN, Ill. IPC Association Connecting Electronics Industries found that the monthly North American PCB Statistical Program data shows the rigid PCB book-to-bill ratio dipping again to 0.94, while the flex industry ratio climbed again to 1.02. The combined industry ratio fell to 0.95.
Rigid PCB shipments are up 2.9% and bookings are down 4.5% in June 2008 from June 2007. Year to date, rigid PCB shipments are up 5.8% and bookings are up 6.6%. Compared to the previous month, rigid PCB shipments increased 11.8% and rigid bookings increased 21.1%. Rigid PCBs represent an estimated 90% of the current PCB industry in North America, according to IPC's World PCB Production and Laminate Market Report. The book-to-bill ratio for the North American rigid PCB industry in June 2008 slipped to 0.94.
Flexible circuit shipments in June 2008 are up 8.9% and bookings are up 12.2% compared to June 2007. Year to date, flexible circuit shipments are up 4.2% and bookings are down 8.8%. Compared to the previous month, flexible circuit shipments are up 15.8% and flex bookings rose 11.4%. In June, the flexible circuit manufacturers in IPC's survey sample indicated that bare circuits accounted for approximately 53% of their shipment value reported for the month. The North American flexible circuit book-to-bill ratio continued to inch up to 1.02.
For rigid PCBs and flexible circuits combined, industry shipments in June 2008 increased 3.3% from June 2007 and orders booked decreased 3.4% from June 2007. Year to date, combined industry shipments are up 5.7% and bookings are up 5.4%. Compared to the previous month, combined industry shipments for June 2008 are up 12.0% and bookings are up 20.4%. The combined (rigid and flex) industry book-to-bill ratio in June 2008 declined to 0.95.
In June 2008, 84% of total PCB shipments reported were domestically produced. Domestic production accounted for 84% of rigid PCB and 89% of flexible circuit shipments in June by IPC survey participants.
"The sagging book-to-bill ratio is due to the fact that shipment growth outpaced growth in orders during second quarter," said Denny McGuirk, IPC president. "Both orders and shipments are up this month and showing typical seasonal patterns."
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 two to three months.
For more information, visit www.ipc.org.