Printed circuit board increase in shipments and orders

The North American printed circuit board book-to-bill ratio was 1.07 in August, as both shipments and new orders increased, according to trade association IPC.

Compared to the previous month, board shipments in August 2009 increased 4.5% and bookings went up 13.1% compared to July. However, board shipments in August decreased 26.5% from August 2008 and orders booked decreased 11.7% from August 2008. Year-to-date date, board shipments were down 27% and bookings were down 25.7%.

The increase in the book-to-bill ratio was a sign of recovery in the printed circuit board industry, according to the association. August was the fourth straight month that the ratio was above 1.00.

A book-to-bill ratio of 1.07 means that for every $100 of orders that board manufacturers shipped in August, they received $107 in new orders.

See also: Printed circuit board production to drop 20% in ‘09