Printed circuit board is an important component of modern electronic equipment. The electronic information industry is a strategic, foundational and leading pillar industry.
PCB as the basic product of electronic information industry, China government has issued a series of policies to support the development of PCB industry, promote the industry transformation and upgrading and strategic adjustment. This article is to analyze the global PCB industry’s output value scale and regional competition status in 2023.
Market scale
In recent years, under the background of global PCB production transfer to China and the booming development of downstream electronic terminal products, the Chinese PCB industry presents a relatively fast development trend. Asia, especially China, has gradually become the most important PCB production base in the world.
According to statistics, the market size of PCB industry in China increased from 199.19 billion RMB in 2017 to 292.23 billion RMB in 2021. The output value of PCB in the mainland of China maintains over 50% in the global market, and the PCB industry is expected to maintain a relatively high growth in the future. Its market size is expected to reach 355.99 billion RMB in 2023.
Future development prospect
1. Industrial policy support for PCB industry in China
The electronic information industry is a strategic pillar industry. Printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing as an important foundation and important component of the electronic information industry, and has always received strong support from the national policies.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued the Action Plan for the Development of Basic Electronic Components Industry (2021-2023), which listed high-frequency PCB and high-speed PCB, multi-layer PCB and high-density PCB, integrated circuit packaging substrates and special printed circuit boards into the catalog of “High-end Upgrading Action for Key Products”. The support of Chinese industrial policy provides institutional guarantee for the further expansion of PCB industry in the future, and also provides direction for the development of the industry.
2. Global PCB production capacity continues to transfer to China
Based on the huge Chinese domestic demand market and the advantages of large scale, strong supporting ability and complete industrial chain of the electronic information industry, China has been able to undertake the capability of global electronic industry transfer.
In the following years, the global PCB production capacity will continue to transfer to the mainland of China, which provides a favorable environment for the further improvement and development of the PCB industry in China.
3.The demand for automotive electrification and intelligent drive automotive electronic grows
The good development momentum of downstream electronic information industry is the basis of PCB industry growth. In recent years, with the gradual evolution of automobile from the traditional sense of mechanical products into intelligent, information, mechanical and electrical integration of high-tech products, electronic technology has been widely applied in automobiles.
No matter it is power control system, safety control system, body electronic system and entertainment communication system, all adopt electronic technology products without exception. Thanks to the hot application fields of automobile electrification, intellectualization and driverless driving, the automotive electronics industry has developed vigorously, which has pushed the PCB market scale to grow continuously.
Output value scale of global PCB industries
China accounts for about 70% of global output
At present, the production areas of printed circuit boards in the world are mainly concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region, including mainland of China, Taiwan province of China, South Korea, Japan and other countries and regions. While the output value of North America and Western Europe is relatively low.
High PCB output value growth in mainland of China
From these years, the overall output value of PCB in China showed a trend of gradual increase, and the growth rate fluctuated significantly. Foe example, in 2021, due to the impact of factors such as demand recovery, upgrading of technical requirements and substantial rise of raw material prices, the output value of PCB in China grew strongly, reaching 51.166 billion USD, with a year-on-year growth of 28.4%.
PCB output value in Taiwan of China recovered quickly
From 2017 to 2021, the output value of PCB manufacturing industry in Taiwan of China declined first and then increased. After a periodic decline in 2019, it has recovered its growth momentum since 2020. In 2021, the output value of PCB manufacturing industry in Taiwan of China reached 10.716 billion USD, with a year-on-year growth of 21.9%.
South Korea PCB output value scale fluctuated growth
According to the data released by the World Electronic Circuit Council (WECC), from 2016 to 2021, the output value of the PCB manufacturing industry in South Korea showed small fluctuations. In 2021, due to the combination of factors such as the rise in global commodity prices, the depreciation of the USD and the rise in terminal demand, the output value of the PCB manufacturing industry in South Korea reached 9.437 billion USD, with a year-on-year growth of 20%.
Japan leads the world in PCB output growth
According to the data released by Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industry Association (JEITA), the output value of Japan’s PCB manufacturing industry fluctuated from 2016 to 2021. After experiencing a gradual decline in 2019, it has recovered its growth momentum since 2020.
In 2021, the output value of Japan’s PCB manufacturing industry reached 648.28 billion yen, with a year-on-year growth of 33.2%, leading the world in growth rate. According to the exchange rate at the end of December 2021, the output value of PCB in Japan in 2021 is about $5.635 billion.
Final words
With more than 17 years of experience in PCBA manufacturing, IBE is a professional PCBA manufacturer focusing on the research and development of laser ranging, new energy, medical devices, automotive electronics, industrial control, consumer electronics etc. We aim to be your highly reliant strategic ODM/OEM global partner for success by providing high technology services, products and solutions.
In the industry, a PCB, or Printed Circuit Board, is a fundamental component used to support and connect electronic components. It consists of a flat board made from insulating material, typically with a network of conductive pathways etched or printed onto its surface.
PCBs are crucial for nearly all electronic devices, from smartphones and computers to household appliances and industrial machinery. They provide a structured way to mount electronic components like resistors, capacitors, and integrated circuits, and facilitate electrical connections between them.
PCBs, or Printed Circuit Boards, are used across a wide range of industries due to their essential role in electronics. Key industries include:
1.Consumer Electronics: PCBs are integral in devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and televisions, where they connect and support various electronic components.
2.Automotive: In the automotive industry, PCBs are found in systems such as engine control units, infotainment systems, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), enabling critical functions and enhancing vehicle performance.
3.Industrial Equipment: PCBs are used in machinery and automation systems, including robotics, control panels, and power supply units, where they manage and coordinate complex electronic functions.
4.Medical Devices: In healthcare, PCBs are essential in medical equipment such as diagnostic machines, monitoring devices, and imaging systems, providing reliable and precise operation.
5.Telecommunications: PCBs support telecommunications infrastructure, including network equipment, routers, and communication devices, ensuring connectivity and data transmission.
The PCB industry is massive and an integral part of the global electronics industry. The industry is worth more than $60 billion per year, reflecting the important role of printed circuit boards in countless electronic devices and systems.
The industry covers a wide range of applications, including consumer electronics, automotive, industrial equipment, medical devices, and telecommunications. As technology advances and electronics become more integrated into everyday life, driven by innovations such as the Internet of Things, 5G, and smart devices, the demand for PCBs continues to grow.
A PCB manufacturing company specializes in producing printed circuit boards (PCBs) that serve as the foundation for electronic devices. These companies design, fabricate, and assemble PCBs according to specific requirements and standards.
The process typically involves creating the circuit layout, etching the conductive pathways onto a board, drilling holes for component placement, and applying protective coatings. The company might also handle the assembly of electronic components onto the boards, ensuring they function correctly in various applications.
PCB manufacturing companies cater to diverse industries, including consumer electronics, automotive, medical devices, and telecommunications. They play a crucial role in enabling the production of reliable and efficient electronic products by providing high-quality circuit boards.
In the semiconductor industry, a PCB, or Printed Circuit Board, is a crucial component that provides the physical platform for mounting and connecting semiconductor devices. PCBs in this context serve as the base for integrating various semiconductor elements, such as microchips, integrated circuits, and sensors, into electronic systems.
The PCB facilitates the electrical connections between these semiconductor devices and ensures their proper functioning within the larger electronic assembly. It also supports thermal management and mechanical stability, which are critical for the reliable performance of semiconductor components.
In industry, PCBs, or Printed Circuit Boards, are used to support and connect electronic components in a wide range of applications. They are fundamental to the operation of numerous devices and systems. Here’s how they are used across various sectors:
1.Consumer Electronics: PCBs are found in devices like smartphones, tablets, and televisions, where they manage electrical connections and enable complex functionality.
2.Automotive: In vehicles, PCBs are used in systems such as engine control units, infotainment systems, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), ensuring the reliability and efficiency of automotive electronics.
3.Industrial Equipment: PCBs are integral to machinery and automation systems, including control panels and robotics, facilitating precise control and operation.
4.Medical Devices: They are used in diagnostic machines, monitoring equipment, and imaging systems, providing critical support for medical technology and ensuring accuracy.
5.Telecommunications: PCBs are crucial in network equipment, routers, and communication devices, supporting reliable data transmission and connectivity.
Last updated on August 21st, 2024 at 03:35 am









