BANNOCKBURN, IL – North American PWB shipments dropped 28.3% year-over-year in March and orders decreased 38%, says IPC.

Sequentially, combined industry shipments were up 10.7% and orders increased 10.9%. Year to date, combined shipments were down 22.7% and orders dropped 34%. The book-to-bill for the month was 0.91, says IPC.

A ratio of more than 1.0 suggests current demand is ahead of supply, a positive indicator for sales growth over the next two to three months.

March rigid shipments dropped 30.5% and orders were down 39.8% compared to the same month last year. Sequentially, rigid shipments rose 9.6% and bookings increased 10.5%. Year to date, rigid shipments are down 24.6%, while bookings are off 35.6%.

The rigid book-to-bill ratio moved up slightly to 0.92.

Flex shipments increased 1% and bookings dipped 12% compared to 2008. Sequentially, flex shipments increased 22.3% and bookings rose 15%. Year to date, flex shipments are up 6% and bookings are down 7.4%. The flex book-to-bill dropped to 0.87.

Rigid boards represent an estimated 90% of the current PCB industry in North America, says the firm. In March, 89% of total shipments reported were domestically produced. Domestic production accounted for 89% of rigid and 84% of flex shipments, respectively.