IPC-Association Connecting Electronics Industries today announced the U.S. Printed Wiring Board Industry Book-to-Bill Ratio for September 2001 was 0.89. Sales billed (shipments) in September 2001 decreased 41.6% over September 2000 and orders booked decreased 56.1% over September 2000. Compared to 2000, bookings of PWBs are down 49.2% year-to-date, while shipments of PWBs are down 25.5% year-to-date.
The ratio is calculated by averaging the number of orders booked over the past three months and dividing by the average sales billed during the same period.
The information is based on data provided by the 84 rigid and flexible PWB manufacturers participating in IPC's monthly Statistical Program. These companies represent over 48% of the U.S. domestic printed wiring board market. IPC publishes the book-to-bill each month. (Statistics for the previous month are not available until the last week of the following month.) For more information, contact IPC Communications Manager Joe Dudeck at 847-790-5371.
IPC is a U.S.-based trade association dedicated to the competitive excellence and financial success of its more than 2,800 member companies which represent all facets of the electronic interconnection industry, including design, printed wiring board manufacturing and electronics assembly. As a member-driven organization and leading source for industry standards, training, market research and public policy advocacy, IPC supports programs to meet the needs of a $44 billion U.S. industry employing more than 400,000 people.