In 2013 global flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) market capitalization was of $ 11.321 billion , recorded an increase of 9.4% , expected market capitalization in 2014 and 2015 will reach $ 12.008 billion , respectively, and $ 12.686 billion .Flexible printed circuit boards are mainly used in display (LCD panel and touch screen ) , computers ( hard drives and CD-ROM ) and communication ( cell phone ) . In 2013 , FPCB in computer applications accounted for 25 %, of which 80% is for the Japanese companies , but the market is gradually shrinking . As the field of mobile phones and tablet PCs , only the high quality requirements of vendors such as Samsung, Apple , LG, Sony , HTC and Nokia uses FPCB, other suppliers or common places flexible flat cable connector instead of FPCB. Samsung and Apple's purchase of a total of FPCB market accounts for over 50% of the world . In 2013 , the most significant change is the sharp decline Lo Hong Ka FPCB industry profit margins, while the profits of new entrants has rapidly soared. Lo Hong Ka equipment and technology R & D strength actually behind the new entrants . After the starting point and the early difficulties new entrants margin increased significantly. In addition, because the majority of Lo Hong Ka production base in mainland China , RMB appreciation and rising labor costs is one of the reasons leading to sharp decline in profits. The world's largest FPCB companies Mektron the first time since the establishment of loss , mainly for three reasons: first, the hard disk and CD-ROM market contraction ; Second , Mektron the price war started by the intervention ; Third , Mektron 45 % of production are from China RMB appreciation and rising labor costs make profits greatly reduced. Therefore , Mektron decided to increase production in Taiwan , Panasonic and more invested $ 100 million in the construction of a new Taiwan FPCB base. South Korea's largest FPCB companies Interflex, its gross profit margin declined by nearly 50% in 2013 , its operating margin also decreased significantly from 6.2% to 1.2 %. The United States only FPCB companies MFLEX, its production base in mainland China are also recorded a loss for the first time . Rapidly growing companies such as Flexcom and BHflex have their main production bases to Vietnam. Hon Hai Group, the parent company to gain an advantage by virtue of ZDT more Apple orders , a significant increase in its gross margin. ZDT 's main production base in Shenzhen, has been part of the production will be shifted to lower-cost regions : its second largest base is located in Qinhuangdao , third base is located in Huai'an .