Core Viewpoint - The PCB industry is experiencing significant growth and transformation, driven by advancements in technology and increasing demand across various sectors, including telecommunications, consumer electronics, and automotive applications [9][10][18]. Group 1: PCB Classification - PCBs are classified based on material type, layer count, and structure, including ordinary boards, high-frequency boards, high-speed boards, single-sided boards, double-sided boards, multi-layer boards, rigid boards, flexible boards, rigid-flex boards, HDI boards, and packaging substrates [5][6][8][9]. - Ordinary boards are primarily made from FR4 copper-clad laminates and are widely used in various fields with lower signal integrity requirements [5]. - High-frequency boards require materials with stable dielectric properties and low loss factors, mainly used in wireless communication and automotive applications [5]. Group 2: PCB Industry Chain - The PCB industry chain consists of upstream raw materials, midstream manufacturing, and downstream applications, with raw materials including copper foil, wood pulp, electronic cloth, resins, and inks [10][11]. - The downstream applications of PCBs are extensive, covering communication devices, consumer electronics, computers, automotive electronics, industrial control, and medical devices [10][11]. Group 3: Market Trends and Forecasts - The global PCB market is projected to grow significantly, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2024 to 2029, driven by increasing demand for high-density and high-performance PCBs [13][14]. - The Chinese PCB market is expected to recover, with a forecasted market size of approximately 4,333.21 billion yuan by 2025, following a decline in 2023 [18]. Group 4: Downstream Demand Growth - The demand for PCBs is increasing across various sectors, including telecommunications, where the shift to higher-speed products is evident, and in the server industry, where AI server demand is driving growth [18]. - In the automotive sector, the integration of electronics in vehicles is expected to increase, with automotive electronics projected to account for 49.6% of the total vehicle value by 2030 [18]. Group 5: Copper Foil as a Key Material - Copper foil is a critical raw material in PCB manufacturing, accounting for a significant portion of the cost structure, with its demand driven by the growth of high-end PCBs [32][34]. - The production process of copper foil involves several steps, including copper dissolution, foil manufacturing, surface treatment, and packaging [43]. Group 6: High-End Copper Foil Demand - The demand for high-end copper foil is increasing due to advancements in 5G communication and AI technologies, with a focus on low-profile copper foils for high-density applications [48][49]. - The global high-end copper foil market is largely dominated by foreign companies, but domestic firms are gradually entering the supply chain [49][50].