BANNOCKBURN, IL – North American PWB shipments in October fell 12.8% year-over-year and bookings slid 2.1%. Sequentially, shipments decreased 8.3% and orders dropped 17.4% says IPC.

Year to date, shipments were down 24.4% and orders decreased 21.5%. The book-to-bill reached 1.09, meaning $109 worth of orders was received for every $100 worth of boards shipped. A ratio of more than 1.0 suggests current demand is ahead of supply, which is a positive indicator for sales growth over the next two to six months.
 
For the month, 87% of total PWB shipments reported were domestically produced.
 
October PWB rigid shipments declined 14%, and orders were down 2.1% year-over-year. Sequentially, rigid PWB shipments declined 7.8%, while orders decreased 16.2%.
 
Year to date, rigid shipments were down 26% and orders fell 22.7%. The rigid book-to-bill ratio increased slightly to 1.10.
 
Flex circuit shipments rose 4.3%, while orders decreased 2.6% compared to 2008. Sequentially, shipments fell 14.1% and orders dropped 30.9%.
 
Year to date, flex shipments were down 0.9% and orders were down 4.7%.
 
The flex book-to-bill climbed to 1.0.
 
Rigid PWBs represent an estimated 91% of the current industry in North America. Domestic production accounted for 87% of rigid PWB and 89% of flex circuit shipments in October.