It’s Only Common Sense: Be the Solution, Not the Problem
American Made Advocacy: Long-time Challenges Confront a New Administration
Marcy's Musings: It's Show Time!
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
Technica USA Celebrates 40 Years of Excellence in Electronics Manufacturing
03/13/2025 | Technica USATechnica USA, a leading provider of materials, equipment, installation, and services for the printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication, PCB Assembly, substrates, MEMS, and semiconductor industries, proudly announces its 40th anniversary in 2025.
TCT Circuit Supply and Electra Polymers Announce New Strategic Partnership
03/12/2025 | Electra Polymers LtdTCT Circuit Supply (TCS) is excited to announce a new strategic partnership with Electra Polymers, a global leader in advanced specialty polymer products
Scanfil Signs Agreement with Leardal Medical for Malaysian Factory
03/12/2025 | ScanfilLaerdal Medical and Scanfil have signed a framework agreement for manufacturing at Scanfil’s newly acquired Malaysian factory in Johor Bahru. Scanfil announced an investment of EUR 4.3 million in the factory in January to meet its high customer demand.
The Test Connection Inc. Promotes Melanie Rutkauskas to Director of Operations for The Training Connection, LLC
03/11/2025 | The Test Connection Inc.The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a leading provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions, is pleased to announce the promotion of Melanie Rutkauskas to Director of Operations for The Training Connection, LLC (TTC-LLC). With her extensive background in operations management, accounting, and customer relations, Melanie brings a wealth of experience and leadership to her new role.
Critical Manufacturing to Show You Might Need a New MES for Making Industry 4.0 A Reality at IPC APEX EXPO 2025
03/10/2025 | Critical ManufacturingCritical Manufacturing, a leader in advanced Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and a subsidiary of ASMPT, will show visitors to IPC APEX EXPO 2025 that the company’s MES - complete with extensive features specific to the electronics industry - can serve as a true Industry 4.0 platform. Any electronics manufacturer looking to turn its vision of digital transformation from concept into reality should prioritize visiting Critical Manufacturing at ASMPT SMT Booth 1813.