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I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
April 4, 2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Many times these introductions to the Friday Top 5 are light-hearted. This week, however, my comments are a little more considered, more thoughtful. There was big news throughout the week on a global economic scale. Everything is moving so fast it’s hard to follow. I sat in on a webinar about the U.S. tariff changes announced on April 2, and even the policy wonks, whose life’s purpose is to be expert in these things, couldn’t keep up. One speaker was checking government information websites, and listening to the news on the television even as she gave her update.
That’s not to imply that all is “doom and gloom,” but simply to point out how quickly things are moving. I rather feels like the shifting staircases at Hogwarts, actually. It’s all still there, just moved all around. So, even if you read nothing else industry-related this week, read these five. We’ll see you next week.
North American PCB Industry Sales Up 11.3% in February
Published March 31
“Another exceptionally strong month of bookings has pushed the PCB Book-to-Bill ratio to a new all-time high, underscoring the strong demand momentum currently in the industry,” said Shawn DuBravac, IPC’s chief economist. While the press release doesn’t discuss the why or the how, clearly there has been building momentum in North American PCB fabrication. Question is, what happens under the new tariffs? Does this demand continue to increase, or will there be other forces in the changes?
IPC APEX EXPO 2025: We’ve Got It Covered
Published: April 1
IPC APEX EXPO is the largest electronics manufacturing trade show in North America, and I-Connect007 is at the heart of it. Our coverage is found in one easy-to-find location at Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025 and you won’t want to miss any of our unique coverage. Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2025 is sponsored by Blackfox, Burkle North America, KYZEN, Mycronic, and Technica USA.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Tariffs and Supply Chains in U.S. Electronics Manufacturing
Published April 1
Chris Mitchell, VP of global government relations for IPC, discusses the group's concerns about tariffs on copper and their impact on U.S. electronics manufacturing. In light of the recent tariff changes announced by the U.S government, Mitchell’s perspective is especially valuable.
Statement from IPC on ‘Liberation Day’ Pressing for Domestic Manufacturing Strategy
Published April 3
In an open letter to the U.S administration, IPC issues a statement on the tariffs and their effect on the global economy. The letter reminds leadership that free trade continues to have a place even as the United States endeavours to rebuild a thriving manufacturing infrastructure.
IPC Releases March 2025 Global Sentiment of the Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain Report
Published April 2
This past March, electronics industry demand strengthened to its highest level in nearly a year; the ease of recruiting skilled talent improved to a record-high, indicating that hiring constraints are continuing to ease for many firms; and material costs have risen, reversing a multi-month decline and pointing to renewed input cost pressures that may warrant monitoring. All this is a snapshot prior to the April 2 tariff changes, and worth a deeper read.
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TTM Technologies Receives Two Awards from the Global Electronics Association at the 2025 IPC CEMAC Conference
11/03/2025 | Globe NewswireTTM Technologies, Inc. announced that two of its team members received prestigious Asia Steering Committee Outstanding Service Awards from the Global Electronics Association (formerly named IPC connecting global electronics industry) at the 2025 IPC CEMAC Electronics Manufacturing Annual Conference in Shanghai.
TTCI Brings Hands-On Test Engineering and IPC Training Expertise to PCB Carolina 2025
10/31/2025 | The Test Connection Inc.The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a trusted provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions, and The Training Connection LLC (TTC-LLC) will exhibit at PCB Carolina on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the McKimmon Center at NC State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Attendees can visit Table 4 to say hello to Bert Horner and Bill Graver, and learn more about their test engineering services and technical training programs.
The Training Connection Continues to Grow with Addition of Veteran IPC Trainer Bill Graver
10/30/2025 | The Training Connection LLCThe Training Connection, LLC (TTC-LLC), a premier provider of test engineering and development training, is proud to announce the addition of Bill Graver to its growing team of industry experts. A respected professional with more than 35 years in electronics manufacturing, Bill joins as an IPC Master Trainer, bringing a wealth of hands-on experience in PCB testing, failure analysis, and process improvement.
Electronics Industry Warns Mexico Tariffs Could Undercut U.S. Manufacturing and Supply Chain Resilience
10/24/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationAs negotiations over U.S.–Mexico trade policies near an October 29 deadline, the Global Electronics Association released a new policy brief, From Risk to Resilience: Why Mexico Matters to U.S. Manufacturing.
Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Revamp Your Components with BGA Reballing
10/14/2025 | Nash Bell -- Column: Knocking Down the Bone PileBall grid array (BGA) components evolved from pin grid array (PGA) devices, carrying over many of the same electrical benefits while introducing a more compact and efficient interconnect format. Instead of discrete leads, BGAs rely on solder balls on the underside of the package to connect to the PCB. In some advanced designs, solder balls are on both the PCB and the BGA package. In stacked configurations, such as package-on-package (PoP), these solder balls also interconnect multiple packages, enabling higher functionality in a smaller footprint.