According to the results of its North American Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Statistical Program, IPC has found that total North American EMS shipments in April 2022 were up 4.3 percent compared to the same month last year. Compared to the preceding month, April shipments fell 10.7 percent.
EMS bookings in April fell 7.2 percent year-over-year and 2.4 percent from the previous month.
“EMS shipments continue to be constrained by supply chain disruptions and have been unable to keep pace with orders,” said Shawn DuBravac, IPC’s chief economist. “Shipments are 2.7% below last year’s pace through the first four months of the year, while bookings are up 9.7% over the same time horizon.”
PCB Industry
According to the findings from its North American Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Statistical Program for the same month, IPC found that total North American PCB shipments in April 2022 were up 2.1 percent compared to the same month last year. However, compared to the preceding month, April shipments fell 20.4 percent.
PCB year-to-date bookings in April were down 14.3 percent compared to last year. Bookings in April fell 5.4 percent from the previous month.
“PCB shipments have been marginally stronger than bookings through the first four months of the year. Shipments are up 6.7% compared to a decline in bookings of 2.6%,” said Shawn DuBravac, IPC’s chief economist. “The disconnect between shipments and orders is likely driven by backlogs for other components. Companies are disinclined to place PCB orders if they are waiting on other components. Despite strong shipments, the book-to-bill remains above 1.”
