BANNOCKBURN, IL – North American electronics manufacturing services (EMS) shipments declined 9.3% year-over-year in May, according to IPC’s latest industry survey. Shipments dropped 4.2% from the previous month, with year-to-date shipments down 2.3% from the same period last year.

EMS bookings rose 5% year-over-year, though they slipped 6% month-over-month. Year-to-date bookings were up 1.4% from last year's levels.

The May book-to-bill ratio was flat at 1.43, signaling demand is outpacing current production capacity. The ratio means $143 worth of EMS work was ordered for every $100 shipped. A ratio above 1.0 is generally considered a positive sign for future growth.

“North American EMS bookings showed modest year-over-year growth in May, while shipments continued to trail 2024 levels,” said IPC chief economist Shawn DuBravac. “Demand continues to strongly outpace current production, a dynamic that should support stronger shipment growth in the months ahead.”

The data reflects ongoing resilience in EMS demand, despite near-term production lags.