Learning With Leo: What Is the Cost of Quality Brought About by Training?
Nolan’s Notes: A Tribute to Iola—and Automation
Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Solderability Test Methods, Myths, and Realities
North American EMS Industry Down 4% in March
April 29, 2024 | IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
IPC announced the March 2024 findings from its North American Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.31.
Total North American EMS shipments in March 2024 were down 4.0 percent compared to the same month last year. Compared to the preceding month, March shipments increased 0.1 percent.
EMS bookings in March increased 5.0 percent year-over-year and decreased 5.3 percent from the previous month.
“Strong order growth through the first quarter has helped lift the book-to-bill to its highest level in over a year, suggesting solid demand and positive momentum,” said Shawn DuBravac, IPC’s chief economist.
Detailed Data Available
Companies that participate in IPC’s North American EMS Statistical Program have access to detailed findings on EMS sales growth by type of production and company size tier, order growth and backlogs by company size tier, vertical market growth, the EMS book-to-bill ratio, 3-month and 12-month sales outlooks, and other timely data.
Interpreting the Data
The book-to-bill ratios are calculated by dividing the value of orders booked over the past three months by the value of sales billed during the same period from companies in IPC’s survey sample. A ratio of more than 1.00 suggests that current demand is ahead of supply, which is a positive indicator for sales growth over the next three to twelve months. A ratio of less than 1.00 indicates the reverse.
Year-on-year and year-to-date growth rates provide the most meaningful view of industry growth. Month-to-month comparisons should be made with caution as they reflect seasonal effects and short-term volatility. Because bookings tend to be more volatile than shipments, changes in the book-to-bill ratios from month to month might not be significant unless a trend of more than three consecutive months is apparent. It is also important to consider changes in both bookings and shipments to understand what is driving changes in the book-to-bill ratio.
IPC’s monthly EMS industry statistics are based on data provided by a representative sample of assembly equipment manufacturers selling in the USA and Canada. IPC publishes the EMS book-to-bill ratio by the end of each month.
Share on:
Testimonial
"Your magazines are a great platform for people to exchange knowledge. Thank you for the work that you do."
Simon Khesin - Schmoll MaschinenSuggested Items
Marcy’s Musings: Thank You, Columnists!
11/18/2025 | Marcy LaRont -- Column: Marcy's MusingsThis month, we’re showing our gratitude for our PCB007 columnists. These individuals are dynamic, intelligent, vibrant, and fun people who share their expertise every month on topics ranging from chemical processes to masterful marketing. In this issue, you’ll get to know them on a more personal level, learning what drives them, and discovering how their stories have shaped them into the professionals who help us all do our jobs better.
November 2025 PCB007 Magazine: Getting to Know Our Columnists
11/17/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamThis month, PCB007 Magazine expresses gratitude to the industry columnists who share their expertise, insights, and perspectives each month. From technical innovations and process improvements to marketing and management strategies, these contributors form the backbone of our mission to educate and connect the PCB industry.
The Signal Integrity Issue: Design007 Magazine September 2025
09/09/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamAs the saying goes, “If you don’t have signal integrity problems now, you will eventually.” This month, our experts share a variety of design techniques that can help PCB designers and design engineers achieve signal integrity.
September 2025 SMT007 Magazine: An Eye on India
09/02/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamIndia is on track to become the world’s fastest-growing major economy within the next two years, and that momentum is already reshaping its electronics manufacturing sector. Whether you work with Indian suppliers or serve Indian customers, chances are the country will become a bigger part of your supply chain in the near future.
North American PCB Industry Shipments Up 20.7% in July
08/27/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationThe Global Electronics Association announced today the July 2025 findings from its North American Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.00. Total North American PCB shipments in July 2025 were up 20.7% compared to the same month last year.