BANNOCKBURN, IL – March North American PWB shipments were up 17.7% year-over-year, while orders rose 36.8% compared to 2009.

Year to date, shipments were up 8.3%, and orders were up 29.9%, said IPC today. Sequentially, March shipments increased 23.8%, and orders rose 31.6%.

The book-to-bill ratio increased to 1.09. A ratio of more than 1.0 suggests current demand is ahead of supply, which is a positive indicator for sales growth over the next two to three months.

For the month, rigid shipments were up 19.6 %, while orders increased 38.4% year-over-year.

Year to date, rigid shipments were up 9.2%, and orders grew 31.9% compared the same period last year. Sequentially, rigid shipments increased 23.5 % and orders rose 28.2%.  The rigid book-to-bill ratio grew to 1.10.

Flex circuit shipments in March were down 1.3%, but orders were up 18.9% year-over-year.

Year to date, flex shipments were down 2.4%, and orders were up 7.1%. Sequentially, flex shipments went up 27.3%, while orders grew 98.8%. The flex book-to-bill ratio improved to 0.98.

Rigid PWBs represent an estimated 90% of the current North American industry. In March, 85% of total shipments reported were domestically produced. Domestic production accounted for 85% rigid PWB and 80% of flex circuit shipments.