BANNOCKBURN, IL – The world market for printed circuit boards reached nearly $60 billion in 2012, up 1.7% year-over-year, says IPC.

A new report shows Asia with 90% of world PCB production. China’s share of world production is now 42.8%, and Japan is now a distant second with 16%. South Korea had a great year in 2012, surpassing Taiwan and moving into third place. The US held onto its fifth place rank with just under a 5% share. Vietnam is the newest addition to the top-10 list of PCB-producing countries, with just under 1%, says the association.

Among the PCB categories covered, rigid flex saw the highest growth in 2012. High growth was also seen in the market for HDI microvia boards, and Asian PCB manufacturers are the main beneficiaries. Ninety-seven percent of HDI/microvia PCB production is done in Asia. Only 1.4% is made in North America.