The PCB market is going to get even more challenging in the months ahead. This is not so much a tariff or Middle East war issue. Itβs all about the AI boom.
Look at two recent LinkedIn posts from PCB materials expert Mark Goodwin that illustrate the point:
— A letter from NANYAβone of the biggest players when it comes to laminate manufacturingβannouncing an additional 20-25% for copper clad laminates (CCL) and prepreg.
— A discussion on availability of the material across the industry.
It would be nice to keep using the same material, but all materialsβregardless of manufacturerβare in extremely tight supply.
Factories are operating under allocation quotas, and once their quota is exhausted, it will mean the leadtimes for replenishment will be extended.
All board houses are facing the same issue of getting materials. Thatβs why we are recommending flexibility on the use of equivalent material(s) to, hopefully, minimize the increase in both leadtimes and pricing.
Need help with rising board costs? Reach out to DirectPCB!