BANNOCKBURN, IL – The Global Electronics Association reported strong September results for the North American PCB industry, highlighting double-digit year-to-date gains in both shipments and bookings.

Total PCB shipments rose 32% compared to September 2024, while year-to-date shipments increased 10.5% from the same period last year. Bookings were up 1.8% year-over-year and 13.1% year-to-date, signaling sustained market demand despite a modest month-to-month slowdown.

The book-to-bill ratio stood at 0.92, indicating that shipments continued to outpace orders but with the near-term gap narrowing as backlogs cleared. “Production in September strengthened as factories cleared backlogs and met steady demand, while orders eased into a more sustainable range,” said Dr. Shawn DuBravac, the association’s chief economist. “Data center investments, especially around AI infrastructure, continue to provide an important floor for demand.”

Manufacturers are benefiting from stabilized supply conditions and a continued push in AI-related programs, which are helping offset slower cycles in other markets. Heading into the fourth quarter, the outlook remains positive, with factory throughput expected to remain strong as AI infrastructure spending sustains shipment levels and margins.

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