BANNOCKBURN, IL – North American PWB shipments in June decreased 29% year-over-year, and orders fell 15.1%, says IPC.
 
Year to date, combined shipments were down 27.3% and orders were down 28%. Sequentially, combined shipments for the month rose 18.9%, while orders increased 28%, according to the association.
 
The June book-to-bill ratio climbed to 1.11.
 
June rigid PWB shipments declined 30.8%, while orders dropped 16.6% compared to 2008. Year to date, rigid shipments were down 29.3% and orders fell 29.6%. Sequentially, rigid shipments grew 18.6% and orders increased 27.9%.
 
The rigid book-to-bill ratio continued climbing to 1.12.
 
Flex shipments dropped 3.1% in June, but orders were up 4% year-over-year. Year to date, flex shipments were up 1.5% and orders were down 5%. Sequentially, flex shipments went up 21.3% and orders increased 28.7%.
 
The flex book-to-bill ratio in June reached 1.02.

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.
 
Rigid PWBs represent an estimated 91% of the current industry in North America, says IPC. In June, 88% of total shipments were domestically produced, meaning 12% were built offshore and sold in North America. Domestic production accounted for 88% of rigid and 83% of flex circuit shipments.