Global PCB Connections: Rigid-flex and Flexible PCBs—The Backbone of Modern Electronics
Flexible Thinking: The Key to a Successful Flex Circuit Design Transfer
Happy’s Tech Talk #29: Bend-to-Install Semi-flex FR-4
Global Electronics Industry Remains Under Pressure from Rising Costs
August 4, 2025 | Global Electronics AssociationEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The global electronics manufacturing supply chain remains under pressure from rising costs, with 61% of firms reporting higher material costs and 54% noting increased labor expenses. according to the Global Electronics Association’s Sentiment of the Global Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain Report. While the Material Cost Index dipped slightly from June and profit margins showed a modest gain (+6 points), only 15% of manufacturers reported actual profit improvement, highlighting the fragility of recovery.
Market Dissonance: Strong Demand Despite Volatility, Hiring Challenges
Operational metrics such as orders, shipments, backlogs, and capacity utilization continue to signal expansion, maintaining momentum from the rebound that began in late 2024.
Over the next six months, electronics manufacturers expect material and labor costs to remain high, while ease of recruitment is expected to remain challenging.
Shawn DuBravac, Ph.D., Global Electronics Association’s chief economist and report author noted, “While demand indicators like orders and shipments remain strong, cost pressures continue to weigh heavily on the global electronics manufacturing sector, Operational momentum remains intact, yet the cost structure is straining under pressure. Manufacturers are adapting, but margin recovery remains elusive.”
Deeper Dive: Workforce Engagement
Electronics manufacturers globally report that their growth is constrained by an inability to recruit, onboard, retain, and upskill workers. In response to special questions regarding active hiring and skilled talent acquisition, 60% of firms are actively hiring, with European companies more likely to be pursuing talent for critical roles. Across all regions, the ability to secure skilled workers is a key limiting factor; 63% of firms report that talent shortages are constraining business growth, reinforcing labor as a critical operational challenge.
These results are based upon the findings of the Global Electronics Association’s Current State of Electronics Manufacturing Survey, fielded between June 12 and June 30, 2025.
Read the full report.
Share on:
Testimonial
"The I-Connect007 team is outstanding—kind, responsive, and a true marketing partner. Their design team created fresh, eye-catching ads, and their editorial support polished our content to let our brand shine. Thank you all! "
Sweeney Ng - CEE PCBSuggested Items
Rehm Thermal Systems Opens Its Own Subsidiary in India
10/28/2025 | Rehm Thermal SystemsRehm Thermal Systems has officially opened its new subsidiary, Rehm Thermal Systems India, in Bengaluru. With this new location, the company moves closer to electronics manufacturers in India to better tap market potential, shorten service routes, and provide direct on-site process consulting.
Laurette T. Koellner Rejoins Celestica’s Board of Directors
10/28/2025 | Celestica Inc.Celestica Inc., a global leader in data center infrastructure and advanced technology solutions, announced that Laurette T. Koellner has rejoined its Board of Directors.
Mapping the EV Landscape: Markets, Platforms, and Powertrains
10/28/2025 | Stanton Rak, SF Rak Companye-Mobility is the defining transformation of 21st-century transportation. As legacy OEMs, startups, and governments race to electrify vehicle fleets, the landscape of e-Mobility is expanding into previously unimaginable territory. But with innovation comes complexity, and with complexity, a need for systems that are not only high-performing but also reliably engineered for the long haul. Understanding the diversity and scale of the EV marketplace is essential to grasping the reliability challenges ahead. From compact urban commuters to heavy-duty trucks and city buses, each category of EV presents distinct performance demands and environmental challenges that shape both the design of its electronics and the manufacturing processes behind them.
China Plus One: Vietnam and Thailand Manufacturing Solutions
10/28/2025 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineAs U.S. electronics manufacturing companies continue to weigh the “China Plus One” solution as they strategize how best to mitigate the ever-increasing pressures and costs of manufacturing in China, several of these global markets continue to see significant growth in their electronics sectors. Of course, India is among them and was the focus of SMT007 last month. Also among these burgeoning markets are Thailand and Vietnam. One has infrastructure and a more established history of success in manufacturing. The other has a much larger number of eager, young workers. In this article, I break down the pros and cons of each market, including a look at U.S. tariffs and how each country is addressing a significant skilled labor gap to support their electronics manufacturing goals.
Saab Q3 2025 Results: Delivering Sustained Growth
10/28/2025 | SaabOrder bookings for the third quarter amounted to SEK 20,861m (21,173), with strong growth in medium-sized orders.