The impact of COVID-19 in the first half of 2020 has rendered the PCB industry subject to unprecedented uncertainty. In the first quarter, the industry has suffered production stoppages as well as the rumored disruption of various supply chains in mainland China. As manufacturers have resumed work more rapidly than expected, the statistics from first quarterly output have fared better than anticipated, as the world comes to terms with the implications of the global pandemic. With regards to the second quarter, the pandemic’s impact most strikingly affected the sales of various types of consumer products, concerning many manufacturers about sluggish demands. However, even if the overall environment has been shrouded by the effects of the pandemic in the first half of the year, profits driven by 5G development (directly or indirectly) have had positive influences on manufacturer performance. Even though the economy has not benefited overall, the output value of the PCB industry has provided sufficient support to offset negative effects and has even driven the industry to see out the first half of the year with a positive growth rate.

　　The output value of Taiwan’s PCB industry in the second quarter of 2020 was NT$161.2 billion, with better than expected quarterly and annual growth rates of 17.8% and 6.1% respectively. The output value in the first half of the year was NT$298.1 billion, with a growth rate of 3.4%.

　　Looking ahead to the second half of the year, sluggish terminal demand is expected to continue before the negative impacts of the pandemic on global economic activities can be completely ameliorated. However, peak-season effect is still expected to occur. Nonetheless, upwards growth is bound to be suppressed by an unfavorable global economy. Taking current economic factors into account, there is unfortunately no reason for any optimism for substantial growth towards the second half of the year.