Trouble in Your Tank: Organic Addition Agents in Electrolytic Copper Plating
Marcy’s Musings: Can You Hear the Voices?
Facing the Future: Successfully Navigating the Uncertain Path Ahead
Japan PWB Market: 2015
December 23, 2014 | Dominique K. Numakura, DKN ResearchEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The Japanese were arguably the leaders in the PWB industry for technology and gross revenues during ‘80s and ‘90s. Portable electronics, laptop computers, and audio and video products generated a remarkable demand for HDI multilayer boards and flexible circuits that helped Japanese remain industry leaders. During the ‘80s and ‘90s, Japanese manufacturers developed many new technologies to satisfy market demand for build-up multilayer boards, high-density rigid-flex, and semiconductor substrates. The Japanese PWB industry grew year-over-year, and many electronics companies budgeted a lot of money for R&D, and at the same time reduced manufacturing costs by shifting much of their manufacturing facilities to low-cost labor regions--mostly in China and Southeast Asia.
The double-digit growth rate hit a roadblock when the U.S. IT recession was in full bloom during 2001. Fortunately, the PWB industry in Japan rebounded thanks to new electronic products such as cell phones, digital cameras, and LCD televisions. The multilayer rigid-flex segment posted significant growth when cell phones evolved into smaller devices, and a new market for module substrates was created by the introduction of new semiconductor packaging technologies. Total volume returned to the same level as it was in 2000 (the best year since the recession began).
Unfortunately, a second global recession hit in 2008. This slowdown once again started in the U.S, but this time it crippled the Japanese PWB industry. A small rebound in 2010 could not sustain its momentum, and business continued to spiral downward.
The Japanese PWB manufacturers were not optimistic over the next few years, and they do not expect any significant growth for the next four years. Conversely, PWB manufacturers in Taiwan, Korea, China, and other Asian countries are very optimistic. Their sales forecast for the next few years shows no signs of weakening, and they continue to invest in capital improvements for manufacturing capacities.
Read the full article here.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the December 2014 issue of The PCB Magazine.
Share on:
Suggested Items
ViTrox Marks 25 Years of Innovation with Cutting-Edge Solutions at NEPCON China 2025 in Shanghai
04/18/2025 | ViTrox TechnologiesViTrox, which aims to be the World’s Most Trusted Technology Company, is proud to announce its participation in NEPCON China 2025, taking place from April 22–24, 2025, at Booth #1E45, Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre (SWEECC).
Nortech Positioned to Serve Global Markets Amid Tariff Challenges
04/18/2025 | BUSINESS WIRENortech Systems, a global leader in digital connectivity solutions and data management engineering, is strategically positioned to serve customers in Europe and the Asia Pacific region while effectively mitigating the impact of global tariffs and trade challenges.
Can the Electronics Industry Balance Tariffs With Investment?
04/18/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamTo better understand the U.S. administration’s recent actions on global trade policies, Barry Matties and Nolan Johnson met with Richard Cappetto, IPC’s senior director of North American government relations, who highlighted both the challenges and opportunities available to U.S. companies in the recent trade activity. This could include increased domestic manufacturing and supply chain diversification.
University of Arizona Pioneering Technical Education Beyond Semiconductors
04/18/2025 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineWhile many universities struggle to keep their curriculum up to date with the evolving needs of the electronics industry, the University of Arizona stands head and shoulders above the others. Its Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing incorporates five of the colleges at UA and emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to prepare students for diverse careers in technology and manufacturing.
IPC President’s Award: Xaver Feiner
04/17/2025 | Nolan Johnson, SMT007 MagazineThroughout his career, Xaver Feiner, vice president of marketing and sales at Zollner Elektronik, has developed extensive expertise in account management and new business development with a strong focus on the semiconductor industry, aerospace, and industrial electronics. Xaver has cultivated a profound understanding of global markets and remains deeply engaged with the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation. Since 2020, he has been an active member of the IPC Europe Advocacy Group, where he is dedicated to advancing the position of the electronics industry and the EMS sector across Europe.