HDI PCB manufacturers have enjoyed a strong influx of orders for non-handset applications, with order visibility extended to April-May, allowing them to expect a strong first-half 2021, according to industry sources.

Compeq Manufacturing, Tripod Technology and Unimicron Technology all saw strong shipment pull-ins from Chinese handset vendors ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays in February, significantly driving up their January revenues.

Compeq's January revenues rose 24.53% on year to NT$5.038 billion (US$179.93 million); Triod's corresponding revenues jumped 45.54% on year to NT$5.816 billion; and Unimicron's recorded an annual expansion of 9.43% reaching NT$7.448 billion.

Despite fewer work days in February, the makers expect their first-quarter 2021 revenues to stay at roughly the same levels for a quarter earlier and grow on year, the sources said, adding that their second-quarter HDI board shipments will be bolstered by robust non-handset applications such as high-end notebooks, tablets, memory modules, automotive electronics and networking devices.

The notebook sector will see a rapid rise in the penetration of HDI boards needed to support ever-slimmer designs for high-end notebook models, which will help HDI PCB makers offset the impact of possible handset sales fluctuations on their overall shipments, the sources noted.

HDI PCB demand for memory modules, automotive electronics and network equipment is also on track for fast rebound due to the growing popularity of 5G applications and global car sales recovery, the sources continued.