OE-A Business Climate Survey – Mixed Feelings Despite Positive Expectations
November 7, 2023 | OE-AEstimated reading time: 1 minute
“The forecast for the Printed Electronics Industry remains positive and stable. We are slightly less optimistic than in the spring survey in March of this year, with an expected sales increase of 16 percent for 2023. Nevertheless, a promising 18 percent increase is projected for 2024,” says Dr. Klaus Hecker, OE-A Managing Director, about the results of the latest business climate survey. The biannual survey is conducted by OE-A (Organic and Printed Electronics Association), a Working Group within VDMA. “The results of the survey show that the industry’s confidence remains broadly stable building on successes of the previous years. The overall good forecast dipped slightly in the light of recent crises hotspots and the arising uncertainties. We see indicators that at least part of the industry is expecting a slower business in the upcoming months,” adds Klaus Hecker.
OE-A expects 18 percent sales growth for 2024 compared to 2023
The turnover sales forecast +16 percent for 2023 and +18 percent for 2024 shows an overall positive outlook of the Printed Electronics Industry into the future. However, only 6 percent of the survey participants plan to increase investments in production within the next 6 months. This is a sharp decline compared to the results of the previous survey in February 2023 (+71 percent), showing that the geopolitical situation, high energy costs and inflation are taking their toll. Only half of the of the companies (46 percent) expect the industry to continue its positive development, which shows a more diversified picture than February 2023 (76 percent).
Confident despite rough climate
Despite the uncertainties, 2024 will be a promising year for the flexible and printed electronics industry in terms of Research & Development investment. More than 81 percent of companies surveyed will increase investment in Research & Development activities over the next six months. This shows a fundamental confidence in the technology and applications of the industry. With 42 percent of respondents expecting employment to remain stable and 52 percent planning to increase headcount, the employment situation is encouraging. "Despite the challenges, I expect a satisfactory year for the Printed Electronics Industry. Order intake is at a good level, and our major customer markets in Consumer Electronics, Automotive, Medical & Pharmaceutical and Building & Architecture will continue to drive our industry forward. At the upcoming productronica and at LOPEC in March 2024, international visitors will once again see impressive printed electronics applications - I am personally very much looking forward to it," concludes Dr. Klaus Hecker.
Suggested Items
epoxySet Unveils UC-2210M - Urethane for Electronic Component Protection
04/29/2024 | epoxySetepoxySet introduces a new and unique, urethane potting compound. The UC-2210M was formulated to protect electronic components in high moisture and thermal environments including constant atmospheric exposure, oceanographic environments and high humidity conditions.
Peters’ ELPEGUARD SL 1800 FLZ Now Also Certified for Outdoor Applications
04/29/2024 | PetersThe conformal coating ELPEGUARD® SL 1800 FLZ from Peters has been awarded an extended UL certificate. The UL 746 E rating certifies that the acrylate-based coating for printed circuit boards, besides featuring the highest non-flammability rating UL V-0, is also suitable for outdoor use.
epoxySet Introduces EO-20E – Versatile, Electrically Conductive Epoxy
04/29/2024 | epoxySetepoxySet produces EPOXIOHM EO-20E an industry established, reliable electrically conductive epoxy designed for solder replacement, chip bonding and other intricate electronic and optoelectronic assemblies. This creamy paste has a an easy to use 1:1 mix ratio with a 48 hour work time.
SCHWEIZER Confirms Group Figures and Outlook for 2024
04/29/2024 | SCHWEIZERSCHWEIZER announces the publication of the annual report for 2023 and confirms the preliminary figures. The SCHWEIZER-Group (according to IFRS) generated sales of EUR 139.4 million in 2023 (previous year: EUR 131.0 million).
Arlon Electronic Materials Awarded Requalification to IPC-4101 QPL for All Polyimide Specification Sheets
04/29/2024 | IPCIPC's Validation Services Program has awarded Arlon Electronic Materials Division, an electronics material manufacturing company headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., an IPC-4101 Qualified Products Listing (QPL) requalification for the third time.