TOP 5 TRENDS in 2025 – PCB MARKET
Uncover the top 5 PCB market trends shaping 2025 and beyond. Learn how these developments are impacting manufacturers and the global electronics landscape.
1 – Strong Performance in AI Server and Networking Market
- Growth Rates: PCB suppliers to the AI server and high-speed networking markets, such as HDI and HLC+HDI boards, grew by over 40% YoY in Q3 2024. A growth forecast of +27.9% is projected for the server and data storage sector between 2024 and 2025.
- Market Expansion: The server/data storage segment is expected to grow at a 5-year CAAGR of 18.4%, reaching $465 billion by 2028, driven by demand for AI-driven applications.
- Impact on PCBs: AI-related demand has created significant opportunities for advanced PCB technologies like HDI (+10.6 in 2025), and HLC PCB (+14.8% in 2025) fostering investment in innovation and capacity expansion.
2 – Worldwide PCB sourcing
- Geopolitical Shift: Companies are reducing dependency on China by expanding operations in countries like India, Vietnam, and Mexico. Regional PCB production value for 2025 is projected to grow by 8.5% in Asia (excluding China and Japan) compared to 2024, representing the largest regional increase.
- India’s Role: India’s domestic electronics production reached $115 billion in 2024, with a projected CAAGR of 24.9% (2022-2027). Approximately 80-90% of India’s PCB demand is met through imports.
- Investment: Policies such as India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, offering 3-6% subsidies, are boosting local PCB manufacturing and attracting global players.
3 – Sustainability Initiatives
- Energy Efficiency: PCB manufacturers are adopting energy-efficient equipment and reducing waste to align with sustainability goals.
- Circular Economy: Recycling PCBs is gaining traction, with companies implementing recovery systems for metals like gold, copper, and palladium, reducing e-waste.
- Investment Trend: Sustainability-driven innovations are projected to contribute significantly to the 5.6% CAGR growth in the PCB market value by 2028.
4 – Flex PCB Market
- Growth Drivers: Flexible PCBs (FPCs) benefited from seasonal boosts in demand from smartphones and consumer products, with significant YoY revenue growth in Q3 2024.
- Market Value: The global flexible PCB market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7%, driven by wearable electronics, automotive applications, and foldable devices.
- Innovations: FPC advancements include integration with rigid-flex designs, supporting complex electronics like foldable smartphones and medical devices.
5 – Digital and Intelligent Manufacturing
- Automation Adoption: Leading PCB companies are leveraging AI and IoT to streamline manufacturing processes, optimize yields, and reduce defects.
- Market Shift: By 2028, 50% of PCB production facilities are expected to integrate digital twins, AI-powered monitoring, and automated workflows.
- Investment: Capital expenditure on smart manufacturing solutions has risen despite an overall 10% decline in YTD capex, reflecting its critical role in long-term efficiency.
