The PCB industry is experiencing a seismic reset, not just a temporary disruption. The supply chain are evolving in ways we have never seen before.
How to act to stay ahead with the drastic shift in the PCB market
AI technology requirements, such as high‑layer multilayers, HDI, low-loss/low-Df materials, and high‑speed PCBs, have pushed factory utilization to unprecedented levels. This surge has created spillover effects: even factories not directly producing AI‑grade products are feeling the strain as upstream capacity is fully absorbed.
The strain isn’t limited to core AI-related PCB technologies.
Demand is also surging for:
- Power supplies
- Thermal management modules
- Supporting hardware
The immediate outlook does not indicate any improvement or relief. Allocations are tightening, lead times are extending, and factories no longer have the material availability they once relied on. We are past the point where annual pricing frameworks or stable lead‑time assumptions are viable. Logistic supply chains from Asia remain functional, but impact from possible oncoming fuel shortages.
In our PCB supply chain outlook, we outline the macroeconomic drivers behind these changes and provide actionable strategies for procurement leaders to secure supply and manage costs.
The Outlook is updated quarterly and available for downloading now is the May 2026 issue.
Download our PCB supply chain outlook for May 2026 and learn about:
1. GLOBAL PCB MARKET CONDITIONS
2. PCB SUPPLY CHAIN CONDITIONS
3. WHY EUROPE IS HEADING TOWARDS A CRITICAL JET FUEL SHORTAGE
4. FUTURE OUTLOOK
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