Overview of the PCB Industry in North America

The printed circuit board (PCB) industry in North America has been experiencing steady growth in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for electronic devices across various sectors, including consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace, and healthcare. PCB sales in the region have been consistently rising, with the United States being the largest market, followed by Canada and Mexico.

Market Size and Growth

According to a report by Grand View Research, the global PCB market size was valued at USD 60.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% from 2021 to 2028. The North American PCB market, which accounts for a significant share of the global market, is projected to witness substantial growth during the forecast period.

Region	Market Size (2020)	Projected CAGR (2021-2028)
Global	USD 60.2 billion	4.3%
North America	USD 18.6 billion	4.5%

Key Drivers and Trends

Several factors are driving the growth of the PCB industry in North America:

1. Technological advancements: The continuous development of new technologies, such as 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI), is fueling the demand for advanced PCBs.

2. Miniaturization: The trend towards smaller, lighter, and more compact electronic devices is driving the need for high-density interconnect (HDI) PCBs and flexible PCBs.

3. Automotive sector: The increasing adoption of electronic systems in vehicles, such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and infotainment systems, is boosting the demand for Automotive PCBs.

4. Aerospace and defense: The aerospace and defense industries require high-reliability PCBs that can withstand harsh environments, contributing to the growth of the PCB market in North America.

PCB Sales and Orders in North America

Sales Trends

PCB sales in North America have been steadily increasing over the past few years. In 2020, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the region witnessed a moderate growth in PCB sales. According to IPC, a global association for the electronics industry, the North American PCB industry saw a 4.5% year-over-year growth in sales in 2020.

Year	Sales Growth (Year-over-Year)
2018	6.2%
2019	5.8%
2020	4.5%

Order Trends

PCB orders in North America have also been on an upward trajectory, indicating a strong demand for PCBs in the region. In 2020, the North American PCB industry experienced a 5.2% year-over-year growth in orders, as reported by IPC.

Year	Order Growth (Year-over-Year)
2018	7.1%
2019	6.5%
2020	5.2%

Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the North American PCB industry. While some sectors, such as consumer electronics and automotive, experienced a temporary slowdown, others, like medical devices and telecommunications, witnessed an increased demand for PCBs. Overall, the industry demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of the pandemic, with many PCB manufacturers implementing safety measures and adjusting their operations to meet the changing market requirements.

Key Players in the North American PCB Industry

The North American PCB industry is characterized by the presence of several prominent players, including both domestic and international companies. Some of the key players in the market are:

1. TTM Technologies: A leading global PCB manufacturer with a strong presence in North America, TTM Technologies offers a wide range of PCB solutions, including HDI, flexible, and Rigid-flex PCBs.

2. Sanmina Corporation: Sanmina is a global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) provider with a significant presence in the North American PCB market. The company offers a comprehensive range of PCB technologies and services.

3. Benchmark Electronics: Benchmark Electronics is a global EMS provider with a strong focus on the aerospace, defense, and medical industries. The company offers advanced PCB design and manufacturing services.

4. Flex Ltd.: Flex is a global EMS provider with a significant presence in the North American PCB market. The company offers a wide range of PCB solutions, including rigid, flexible, and rigid-flex PCBs.

5. Celestica Inc.: Celestica is a global EMS provider with a strong presence in the North American PCB market. The company offers a comprehensive range of PCB technologies and services, catering to various industries, including aerospace, defense, and healthcare.

Future Outlook

The North American PCB industry is expected to continue its growth trajectory in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for advanced electronic devices and the adoption of new technologies. Some of the key trends and opportunities that are likely to shape the future of the industry include:

1. 5G and IoT: The widespread deployment of 5G networks and the proliferation of IoT devices are expected to create a significant demand for advanced PCBs, such as HDI and flexible PCBs.

2. Automotive electronics: The increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and the development of autonomous driving technologies are expected to drive the demand for automotive PCBs in North America.

3. Aerospace and defense: The aerospace and defense industries are expected to continue investing in advanced PCB technologies to meet the stringent requirements of their applications, such as high reliability and resistance to harsh environments.

4. Sustainable manufacturing: There is a growing emphasis on sustainable PCB manufacturing practices, such as the use of eco-friendly materials and the adoption of energy-efficient processes, which is likely to shape the future of the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the current size of the North American PCB market?
   As of 2020, the North American PCB market size was valued at USD 18.6 billion.

2. What are the key drivers of the PCB industry in North America?
   The key drivers of the PCB industry in North America include technological advancements, miniaturization, the growth of the automotive sector, and the demand from the aerospace and defense industries.

3. How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact the North American PCB industry?
   The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the North American PCB industry, with some sectors experiencing a temporary slowdown while others witnessed an increased demand for PCBs. Overall, the industry demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of the pandemic.

4. Who are the key players in the North American PCB industry?
   Some of the key players in the North American PCB industry include TTM Technologies, Sanmina Corporation, Benchmark Electronics, Flex Ltd., and Celestica Inc.

5. What are the future opportunities in the North American PCB industry?
   The future opportunities in the North American PCB industry include the growth of 5G and IoT, the increasing demand for automotive electronics, the continued investment in aerospace and defense, and the emphasis on sustainable manufacturing practices.