TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s printed circuit board (PCB) output exceeded NT$423.6 billion (US$13.24 billion) in the first half of this year, up 13.8% year-on-year and setting a record for the period, according to the Taiwan Printed Circuit Association.

The association attributed the growth mainly to rising demand for AI servers and satellite communications, as well as accelerated shipments ahead of US tariff policies. In the second quarter alone, sector output reached NT$218.2 billion, up 14.4% year-on-year, per CNA.

The association forecast that output in the second half could rise to NT$492.1 billion, bringing full-year production value to an estimated NT$915.7 billion, up 12.1% from last year. Growth is again expected to be driven by AI server demand.

High-end products led gains, the association said. Substrates — which connect semiconductors to PCBs — increased 20.6% year-on-year. BT substrates, used in smartphones and memory chips, and ABF substrates, used in AI chips and graphics cards, both saw stronger demand.

High-density interconnect PCBs benefited from rising demand for smartphones, AI servers, and low Earth orbit satellites, with revenue up 16.2% year-on-year. Meanwhile, domestic makers of copper-clad laminate, a key raw material for PCBs, lifted output 6.8% to NT$195.9 billion in the first half.

However, the US imposition of a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and components, combined with the suspension of EV purchase subsidies in some European countries, has led to a drop in orders for some automotive PCBs from Taiwan.

The association added that US tariffs, inflation, and exchange-rate fluctuations will remain key factors weighing on revenue. It also warned that some electronics shipments were pulled forward in the first half, which may affect performance for certain items over the remainder of the year.