BANNOCKBURN, IL – Total North American EMS shipments in March were up 2.3% compared to the same month last year. Sequentially, March shipments rose 14.3%, says IPC.
EMS orders for the month fell 13.3% year-over-year but rose 18.7% sequentially.
The book-to-bill ratio was 1.44, compared to 1.52 in February. 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.
“Industry output improved in March, despite the headwinds from geopolitical conflict straining already stressed supply chains,” said Shawn DuBravac, IPC’s chief economist. “The book-to-bill remains high, suggesting strong orders, but we have seen order flow slow in recent months, which is likely the early signs of weakening demand.”