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Most of the developed economies have seen a GDP growth between 1.2 and 2% during 2016 and 2017 is not forecast to show any improvements on these levels. In fact, there is a greater probability that averages will fall slightly. Of the developed leading nations, Japans GDP is set to fall below even this forecasted minimum with GDP growth likely to remain below 1% in 2017.
Commodity prices globally are strengthening and indeed there are price rises in the pipeline for copper – a key material for the electronics industry, of course. This will help to fuel the GDP of economies that rely on natural resources, many of which are emerging economies.
The Conference Board (based in the US) provide projections for the output growth of the world economy. Their figures would signpost Chinese GDP to grow by 3.8% in 2017, down slightly from 3.9% in 2016.
This prognosis is not at odds with the forecasts for the PCB industry which is illustrated in Figures 1 – 4 shown below. It too, reflects a period of muted growth for 2017. However, the charts ( Figures 1 – 4 are in value terms) do not factor in the proposed laminate price increases for 2017 whose levels have been influenced by the proposed rise in copper foil prices.
