Brexit: Potential Impact on the Electronics Industry

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Brexit will have a big impact on the electronics industry. The so called “phase one” of the negotiations between the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) is ongoing, with the two parts trying to reach an agreement on the terms of the exit of the UK from the bloc. In December, we are expecting the negotiators to move on to “phase-two,” which is the crucial discussion on the future EU/UK relationship, including trade arrangements.

With this in mind, IPC has sought the views of its European members on the key issues of concern for them. Electronics has benefitted substantially from the possibility to move components and articles across borders without restrictions and concerns over the imposition of customs checks or any measure that might delay the movement of goods across borders are key concerns for our members. In addition, there have been concerns over the possibility of products moving between the EU and the UK having tariffs imposed on them. Finally, to a lesser extent, some IPC members have voiced concern over possible restrictions in the access of highly skilled labor, which could make the recruitment of the necessary staff more difficult for the sector.

Brexit was discussed with key EU policy makers during this year’s IMPACT Europe event in Brussels, where our members’ concerns were communicated to officials. View discussion paper on the potential impact of Brexit on IPC members.