PCB Market Maintain Growth Momentum in Next Five Years 　

Due to the weak economic situation worldwide, global PCB market suffered 2% decline, reaching $54.31 billion. Among all application segments, PCB used in automotive and communication field still saw significant growth at 3.7% and 7.4%, respectively; consumer electronics was subjected to the largest decline at 10%, followed by industrial/medical at 8.1% and military semiconductor at 4.7%.

With improved economy, PCB market in the coming five years will show growth momentum. According to Prismark analysis, global electronic machine products, a main contributor of PCB industry, is projected to achieve revenue of $1991 billion, up by 4.3% from 2012. Computer, communication and consumer electronics represent two second, helping contribute to a 3.2% growth for PCB in this year.

Based on data from Prismark Analysis, global PCB will continue moving toward Asia region, especially Chinese mainland. In the pasted ten years, Chinese mainland develops rapidly, and becomes the largest production area, due to advantage of domestic market potential and low production costs. Its PCB revenue increased to $21.6 billion in 2012 from $3.368 billion in 2000. From 2012 to 2017, PCB market in Chinese mainland will amount to 6%, accounting for 44% shares worldwide, and maintaining first.

Despite the huge market potential, Chinese PCB development will face some new questions, posting urgent requirements for restructuring of the industry. Since 2007, Chinese mainland began to issue nationwide industrial structure adjustment policy, leading to increased cost, limited factory expansion. Adding the lack of labor, increasing labor paying, high rent, and environmental protection factor, some foreign investment felt enlarged pressure and shows signs to exit Chinese mainland.

Globally, other Asia regions (in addition to Chinese mainland and Japan) will only see growth of 8%. Japan, Europe and American continue negative a growth rate.

From specific category, automotive application will lead PCB market with CAGP at 5.9%; followed by industrial and medical application at 5.3%.

In the future, the main driving force for the growth of global PCB industry include smartphone, tablets and green base as well as other electronic terminals.