-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- I-Connect007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current Issue
Looking Forward to APEX EXPO 2026
I-Connect007 Magazine previews APEX EXPO 2026, covering everything from the show floor to the technical conference. For PCB designers, we move past the dreaded auto-router and spotlight AI design tools that actually matter.
From Silos to Systems: 2026 and Beyond
Welcome to the debut issue of I-Connect007 Magazine. This publication brings all of the pieces together from PCB design and fabrication for a closer alignment and a more integrated electronics manufacturing landscape.
The Automation Advantage
In this issue, we discover how AI, machine learning, and practical factory automation are reshaping PCB fabrication, and where these tools can meaningfully move your business forward.
- Articles
- Columns
Latest Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - I-Connect007 Magazine
North American PCB Industry Ends 2025 with Strong Book-to-Bill and Double-Digit Shipment Growth
February 2, 2026 | Global Electronics AssociationEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
The Global Electronics Association announced today the December 2025 findings from its North American Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.18.
Total North American PCB shipments in December 2025were up 11.0% compared to the same month last year. Compared to the preceding month, December shipments were down -12.8%. December's year-to-date (YTD) shipments increased by 12.8% year-over-year (YOY).
PCB bookings in December were up 11.0% compared to the same month last year. December bookings were down 17.7% compared to the preceding month. December’s YTD bookings increased 15.0% compared to the same period last year.
North American PCB activity for December reflects a well-balanced market showing healthy momentum. Bookings outpaced shipments for the month, which may signal emerging demand growth; however, the longer-term three-month and year-to-date metrics temper that optimism. Over those periods, shipments have grown faster than bookings, suggesting the industry is likely catching up on backlog and shipping more aggressively to meet existing demand. The growth story remains intact but sustaining it will require bookings to accelerate rather than rely solely on fulfillment of past orders.\
"The North American PCB book-to-bill strengthened again in December, due in part to softer shipments,” said Dr. Shawn DuBravac, Global Electronics Association’s chief economist. “Bookings remain solid, signaling improving order momentum headed into this year.”
Detailed Data Available
Companies that participate in the Global Electronics Association’s North American PCB Statistical Program have access to detailed findings on rigid PCB and flexible circuit sales and orders, including separate rigid and flex book-to-bill ratios, growth trends by product types and company size tiers, demand for prototypes, sales growth to military and medical markets, 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 the Global Electronics Association’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 12 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.
The Global Electronics Association’s monthly PCB industry statistics are based on data provided by a representative sample of both rigid PCB and flexible circuit manufacturers selling in the USA and Canada. The Association publishes the PCB book-to-bill ratio by the end of each month.
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
Zhen Ding Reports NT$11.7B February 2026 Revenue
03/06/2026 | Zhen Ding TechnologyZhen Ding Technology Holding Limited, a global leading PCB manufacturer, reported February 2026 revenue of NT$11,721 million, down 3.97% YoY.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
03/06/2026 | Michelle Te, I-Connect007This week, I’m highlighting a book, a podcast, a magazine, winners of the APEX EXPO Technical Conference, and a narrative-style column. Not only do these published pieces vary in style, but they also examine the electronics industry from a variety of perspectives. From test to materials, trade show storytelling, and thought leadership, I-Connect007 has the industry covered.
Cicor Achieves Transformative Growth in 2025
03/05/2026 | CicorIn 2025, Cicor Group entered a phase of transformative growth. The Company had closed 2024 with revenues of CHF 480.8 million and achieved revenues of CHF 616.5 million in 2025, corresponding to growth of about 28%.
Panasonic Industry Invests ¥7.5B in New MEGTRON PCB Line to Meet AI Server Demand
03/05/2026 | Panasonic Industry Co., Ltd.Panasonic Industry Co., Ltd. will invest approximately 7.5 billion yen into Panasonic Industrial Devices Materials (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd. (Guangzhou Factory), to add an additional production line specifically to manufacture MEGTRON multi-layer circuit board materials, which are widely used in high-speed network systems like AI servers.
BEST Inc. Offers Precision Milling Services for Removal of Underfilled SMT Components
03/05/2026 | BEST Inc.BEST Inc., a leader in electronic component and PCB services, is pleased to announce they offer precision milling services for the safe removal of underfilled surface mount components eliminating circuit board damage thereby salvaging printed circuit board assemblies.