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AI demand triggers massive PCB shortage for PC makers as order books full until 2030 — lead times stretch to 30 months as material costs surge 12x

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AI demand triggers massive PCB shortage for PC makers as order books full until 2030 — lead times stretch to 30 months as material costs surge 12x

The AI industry continues to gobble up manufacturing resources that were once dedicated to serving PC, smart device, and gadget makers. We’ve seen huge demand/supply driven price rises in RAM, GPUs, SSDs, and more through 2026. Now that most basic and unglamorous electronics necessity, the PCB, looks set to join them. A news report published by Nikkei Asia quotes several leading PC and PCB industry managers, making it clear we are going to see PCB (and PCB subcomponent) shortages and price rises in the coming months.

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An unnamed exec from an American PC maker spoke to Nikkei about the dire shortage of PCBs. “Even though PC shipments could decline again next year, we are still struggling to secure enough PCB supplies to meet our needs,” said the manager, who asked to remain anonymous. They were talking about securing enough supplies to make plans for products in the coming year. Several commenters pointed to AI computing demand eating up production capacity.

The outlet also talked to business people further up the supply chain – the makers of PCBs and the makers of the components/materials needed to actually make PCBs. Traditional PCB demand is becoming underserved as AI products demand and pay more. One PCB maker talking to Nikkei said that a significant number of products have lead times that have doubled.


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