BANNOCKBURN, IL — October North American PCB orders increased 13.9% year-over-year, while year-to-date order growth grew 4.9%. Orders were up 0.5% sequentially, says IPC.

North American PCB shipments for the month were up 3.6% compared to the same month last year. Year to date, shipments were down 2.9% year-over-year. Sequentially, shipments decreased 2.9%.

The book-to-bill ratio was 1.12. A ratio of more than one suggests current demand is ahead of supply, which is a positive indicator for sales growth over the next three to 12 months.

“The North American PCB industry appears to be recovering from this year’s slump,” said Sharon Starr, IPC’s director of market research. “Year-on-year sales growth in October was positive for the second consecutive month and is strengthening. The outlook is positive too, based on continued growth in orders and on PCB book-to-bill ratios above parity for the ninth consecutive month. After reaching a 12-year high in August, the book-to-bill ratio has retreated slightly due to growth in sales, but it remains very strong, indicating a likelihood of further sales growth in the coming months.”