DIGITIMES — Demand for notebook and handset PCBs is weakening, with manufacturing lead time reduced from 4 weeks to 2-4 weeks, as notebook and handset customers are starting inventory correction, according to PCB makers. Most makers expect their June revenues to drop 10 percent sequentially.

 

Taiwan-based notebook PCB maker HannStar Board has reported weaker-than-expected consolidated revenues of NT1.34 billion (USD40.79 million) for May, down 18 percent from April. The company is conservative about June sales but expects demand for notebook PCBs to increase in the third quarter. Fellow rival Gold Circuit Electronics (GCE) expects flat revenues for May and a 10 percent drop for June. Dynamic Electronics also estimates its June revenues to decrease by 10 percent.

 

In the handset PCB segment, Unitech Printed Circuit Board and Compeq Manufacturing both said their revenues in June will decline although demand in the second quarter has been stronger than the first quarter.

 

Unimicron Technology is more optimistic. The company expects to see its June revenues hold level or grow slightly since orders for its IC substrates and notebook PCBs remain strong. Unimicron said its order visibility has extended to July.