FPCB makers expected to have double-digit sales growth in 3Q

Printed circuit board (PCB) industry players stated demand for flexible PCBs (FPCBs) for handsets is growing faster than demand for PCBs in the second half of this year due to stronger demand for white-box handsets and high-end smartphones. Market watchers expect FPCB makers Career Technology, Flexium Interconnect, and Foxconn Electronics' FPCB subsidiary to have double-digit growth in the third quarter, while Taiflex Scientific, an upstream flexible copper clad laminate (FCCL) maker, may even see 40-50% sequential growth.

The sources noted order visibility for Career Technology in August is much better than it saw in July amid shipments for use in white-box handsets and smartphones. Shipments include FPCBs for smartphones from High Tech Computer (HTC) and a US-based vendor, as well as orders transferred from Hong Kong-based Global Flex Holdings. Overall, the company's sales should increase 15-20% sequentially in the third quarter.

Foxconn's FPCB subsidiary and Flexium also received orders from US-based handset vendors, and most of their materials are supplied from Taiflex, the sources noted. Taiflex's August sales are expected to hit NT$400 million (US$12.69 million) amid the orders for FPCB products and solar modules, the sources added.