Industry members reflect on IPC's role as an important source of economic, environmental and governmental information
Greg Papandrew, President, Bare Board Group	Sharon Starr, IPC Director of Market Research

Market research and statistical programs have been among IPC's member services since the organization's founding in 1957.  These services strengthen the electronic interconnect industry by helping member companies to excel and compete.  Member companies benefit by identifying opportunities, understanding trends and having data that provides a solid basis for planning.

All of these programs were created to meet the needs of all segments of IPC's membership, including manufacturers of printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronics manufacturing services (EMS) companies, PCB and EMS suppliers, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).  A diagram shows the relationships within the electronic interconnect supply chain, which IPC serves.  IPC members drive the content of IPC’s market research programs, which are constantly evolving to meet their changing needs. 

As a global industry association and a trusted, impartial third party, IPC is in a unique position to collect sensitive business data from members and provide aggregate data free or at a small fraction of what consultants would charge.  IPC has developed an unparalleled degree of trust among its members by adhering to strict confidentiality policies and responding to member needs.

Current Industry Trends

Selected industry data from IPC’s market research studies, including the current PCB book-to-bill release, as well as data from related industries, can be found here. 

Valuable Member Benefits

IPC Statistical Programs

IPC conducts statistical programs for the EMS, PCB, laminate, process consumables, solder and assembly equipment segments of the industry, and most are global.  IPC member companies are eligible to participate free.  Participants receive the monthly or quarterly reports free, as well as the aggregate data tables in Excel, for the program in which they participate.

Details about the statistical programs available to IPC members.

Details about the statistical programs available to IPC members — 中文.

Market Data Update

The Electronics Industries Market Data Update is a quarterly business report published for IPC members. It brings together the latest market data from many segments across the supply chain.  Covering metals, solder, chemicals, assembly equipment, laminates, PCB’s, EMS, end-product industries and macroeconomic trends, it offers readers a comprehensive view of industry dynamics.  Every issue includes leading indicators to help readers plan for changes in their business environment.  IPC members receive this report free.  It is available to non-members by subscription.

View the current report. (Members only)

Subscribe to Market Data Update (.pdf).

WECC Global PCB Production Report

The World Electronic Circuits Council is a strategic partnership comprised of IPC and seven other industry associations serving the worldwide electronic circuits industry.  Its purpose is to foster international cooperation for the benefit of the industry.  Market research is just one area of cooperation.  Every year, the member associations pool their annual PCB production data to produce the annual WECC Global PCB Production Report.  The member associations provide it free to their members.

View the current report. (Members only) 

Metal Prices

Graphs showing short- and long-term trends in the prices of key metals used in the PCB and electronics assembly industries are updated monthly.  They are available in the members-only area of the IPC website.

View the current graphs. (Members only)

More detailed updates on metal prices, including five-year forecasts as well as analysis of supply and consumption trends, are published monthly in the IPC Commodities Report for the Electonics Industry. Learn more by visiting www.ipc.org/market-research-subscriptions.

Other Resources Available Online

In the IPC members-only area of the website, the market research page contains links to past studies and conference proceedings as well as slide-show recordings of select conference presentations.

IPC members can access all IPC resources for members by logging in at the IPC Members only page. To become a member or learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit About Membership.

IPC Survey Center

Visit IPC's Survey Center to see what surveys are available to your industry segment throughout the year and to participate in current surveys.

Current Market Research Reports and Studies

All Industry Segments

EMS Industry

PCB Industry

Materials Suppliers

Assembly Equipment Industry

Are We Meeting Your Needs?

Do you have questions or comments about IPC's market research? Do you have suggestions for improving our programs? What are your needs? Please share your feedback with IPC's director of market research.

For more information about IPC's market research services, contact the market research team at MarketResearch@ipc.org or +1 847-597-2868.