The Global Fact Book of Surface Mount Technology Lines reveals this fact, along with other information, in a study that contains over 150 charts and figures that detail the international marketplace.
After robust growth in 2000, 2001 was characterized as one of the weakest periods for the surface mount technology industry. Last year, the market declined by 40 percent to 50 percent due to the economic downturn and weakened demand in the United States. However, the industry is expected to rebound in 2002.