BANNOCKBURN, IL – June PCB shipments by North American fabricators increased 3.3%, and bookings rose 3.4% compared to last year, IPC reported today. Year to date, shipments were up 5.7% and bookings rose 5.4% through June.
 
The overall book-to-bill ratio declined to 0.95. A ratio of more than 1.00 suggests that current demand is ahead of supply, a positive indicator for sales growth over the next two to three months.
 
Sequentially, shipments of rigid and flex boards were up 12%, and bookings were up 20.4%.
 
June shipments of rigid PCBs were up 2.9% year-over-year, while bookings were down 4.5%. Year to date, rigid PCB shipments were up 5.8%, and bookings were up 6.6%. Sequentially, rigid PCB shipments increased 11.8%, and rigid bookings increased 21.1%. The rigid book-to-bill ratio slipped to 0.94. 
 
Flex circuit shipments were up 8.9%, while bookings were up 12.2% year-over-year. Year to date, flexible circuit shipments were up 4.2%, and bookings were down 8.8%. Compared to the previous month, flexible circuit shipments were up 15.8%, and flex bookings rose 11.4%. The book-to-bill ratio inched up to 1.02.
 
“The sagging book-to-bill ratio is due to the fact that shipment growth outpaced growth in orders during second quarter,” said IPC. “Both orders and shipments are up this month and showing typical seasonal patterns.”