AI demand is causing PCB shortages and lead times up to 30 months
Tom’s Hardware, citing a Nikkei Asia report and interviews with industry managers, says AI data-center and chip production demand is diverting PCB capacity and upstream materials toward higher‑paying customers. Nikkei told Tom’s Hardware that some PCB orders now face lead times as long as 30 months, copper‑clad laminate (CCL) prices have surged at least 12× since July, and major suppliers report order books filling through 2030.
BONES’ AI PERSPECTIVE
AI-assisted summary of the linked sourceTom’s Hardware relays Nikkei Asia reporting that AI computing demand and higher prices are crowding out traditional PC and device PCB orders: some PCB lead times have doubled and can reach 30 months, one Taiwanese PC maker said CCL costs rose at least 12× since July, and a leading CCL supplier told Nikkei its order book is filling to 2030 despite planned capacity expansion.