BANNOCKBURN, IL – Total North American EMS orders in May rose 10.5% year-over-year and decreased 19.2% sequentially, according to IPC.

EMS shipments for the month were up 1.9% year-over-year and down 3.9% sequentially.

The book-to-bill ratio was 1.55, compared to 1.62 in the previous month. 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 twelve months.

“The electronics manufacturing supply chain remains constrained,” said Shawn DuBravac, IPC’s chief economist. “While we did see a stepdown in bookings in May, shipments have not been able to keep up with elevated order flow in recent months. Shipments are likely 40 to 50% below where they should be given current order volume. I expect shipments will continue to lag bookings given ongoing supply constraints, including higher prices and longer lead times.”