PCB production in Europe over the years

Looking at the graph for worldwide PCB production, a clear growth trend is visible. Despite the few downturns over that period of 30 years, production value has increased tenfold, describes Peter Brent, on behalf of Reed Electronics Research. Europe - on the other hand - has experienced a somewhat mixed picture. After a period of growth (between 1993 and 1997), production value in Europe has steadily declined. For 2012, USD 2.6 billion were recorded. Germany - the major PCB manufacturer in Europe - experienced a somewhat similar history. While the decline is not as drastic, it is a visible decline. Over the space of a mere 14 years, the Nordic countries have lost almost all of its PCB production. 1998 - with a production value of USD 540 million - was followed by years of decline. 2012 recorded the - so far - lowest figure of USD 65 million. ----- Source: © Reed Electronics Research