A changing PCB market – what you need to know

The global PCB market is in the middle of a major shift. Demand is growing rapidly, supply is tightening, and predictability is becoming a challenge. To navigate these changes, it’s important to understand what’s driving them, how they’re affecting supply chains, and what to expect in the future. In this post, we’ll break down the current situation and share some practical recommendations.

With the increasing use of AI in our society, the demand for more AI and data centers is growing. This, in turn, leads to a rising need for the advanced PCB technology used in these types of applications.

What is driving the change?

The biggest drivers are the rapid expansion of AI and data center infrastructure. These technologies are not only increasing the volume of PCBs needed but also changing the types of PCBs in demand. AI systems, especially in high-performance computing, require faster data transmission, higher signal integrity, more layers, and better thermal management. This means a growing need for advanced PCB technologies like high-layer multilayers, HDI, and low-loss materials. In short, the market isn’t just growing, it’s evolving.

How is the supply chain affected?

Storage of PCB material in a PCB factory | NCAB Group — Material availability has become the primary supply chain constraint. To reduce the risk of our customers facing material shortages, we are testing and evaluating alternative materials from local suppliers.

The shift in demand is putting pressure on the entire supply chain:

Manufacturing capacity is limited, especially for advanced technologies. As production focuses on high-performance applications, standard PCB designs are becoming harder to source.
Material availability is another critical issue. Suppliers are prioritizing advanced materials, which means less capacity for standard options.

As a result, availability is now a bigger concern than cost. Lead times are longer, pricing is unpredictable, and manufacturers are becoming more selective about how they allocate capacity. This makes planning, technical alignment, and strong supplier relationships more important than ever.

Outlook: a long-term shift, not a short-term disruption

Unfortunately, this isn’t just a temporary blip. Demand for AI, data infrastructure, and complex electronics is expected to keep growing, while expanding capacity – whether in materials, equipment, or skilled labor – takes time and investment. The mismatch between supply and demand is structural, and the current constraints are likely here to stay. In fact, we may not have seen the full impact yet.

So, our advice? Plan for continued volatility rather than expecting a quick return to the old normal.

How NCAB helps mitigate risks

In this complex and constrained environment, risk management is key. We work with a carefully selected network of qualified factories, monitor capacity and material developments closely, and support our customers with engineering expertise to ensure manufacturability and consistency.

Customer meeting | NCAB Group — We know that nothing affects the PCB’s total cost and reliability as much as the initial design of the PCB – now more than ever. All our local offices include dedicated specialists who work with you to understand your requirements.

Now more than ever, supply chain stability starts at the design stage. Choices like material selection, stack-up, and specification strategy directly impact availability, lead times, and cost stability. By collaborating closely with our customers during development, we help create PCB designs that are not only technically robust but also resilient and adaptable across multiple factories and supply chains.

What you can do

Here are some practical steps to take a more proactive and integrated approach to PCB sourcing and design:

Plan ahead: Clear forecasts and expected demand improve visibility and help secure access to capacity and materials.
Align design and supply early: Design choices affect flexibility, lead times, and cost stability. Using widely available materials and standardized specifications usually means shorter lead times and more predictable pricing. Avoid unnecessary constraints; specify materials by performance, not brand.
Collaborate: Work with partners who combine technical and supply chain expertise. This makes it easier to identify risks early and handle deviations during development.