This year, the iterative advancements in AI servers have prompted a corresponding upgrade in the material specifications for printed circuit boards (PCBs). This, in turn, has led to a concentrated surge in demand for ultra-thin, low-dielectric specialty electronic fabrics. As a result, the electronic fabric industry is experiencing a structural scenario where both volume and price are on the rise, with current electronic fabric prices hitting their peak in nearly a decade. After the price surge in October, some market analysts speculate that copper-clad laminates (CCLs) and PCBs may shift towards reducing or eliminating fabric usage, potentially leading to a decrease in future fabric consumption within the relevant industrial chain. However, numerous industry experts have highlighted that the primary driver behind the continuous escalation in electronic fabric prices is the incremental demand for high-end base materials, spurred by AI servers, high-speed switches, automotive PCBs, and other applications. Electronic fabrics offer numerous advantages, and the anticipation of reduced or eliminated fabric usage in areas like CCLs is primarily motivated by cost considerations. Given the current state of 'tight balance' in overall supply and demand, the probability of a further price increase for electronic fabrics in November remains relatively significant.
