-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- smt007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueWhat's Your Sweet Spot?
Are you in a niche that’s growing or shrinking? Is it time to reassess and refocus? We spotlight companies thriving by redefining or reinforcing their niche. What are their insights?
Moving Forward With Confidence
In this issue, we focus on sales and quoting, workforce training, new IPC leadership in the U.S. and Canada, the effects of tariffs, CFX standards, and much more—all designed to provide perspective as you move through the cloud bank of today's shifting economic market.
Intelligent Test and Inspection
Are you ready to explore the cutting-edge advancements shaping the electronics manufacturing industry? The May 2025 issue of SMT007 Magazine is packed with insights, innovations, and expert perspectives that you won’t want to miss.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - smt007 Magazine
Season Group Already Seeing Effect of US Tariff Changes
September 21, 2018 | Season GroupEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Season Group is already seeing a significant surge in enquiries as a result of the changes in US Tariffs with China.
“When the initial tariff changes were announced in July, we saw very little change in customer behavior. The feedback that we were getting was that customers expected this to be a short-term situation. However, now that some US companies have seen large-scale invoices for their imports from China from the first round of tariffs, the increase in their scope means that there appears to be an urgency to find alternative sources to avoid these significant cost increases. Given that Season is one of very few EMS companies of its size that has an EMS footprint in Malaysia, Mexico, USA, UK as well as China, we are being seen as a 'safe haven' for many small and medium-sized companies that are currently sourcing with companies that have only one site in China. We are getting feedback that the number of options is also important as there is a fear of 'where next' given previous concern over US duties related to Mexico (for The Wall) and current NAFTA negotiations with Canada,” said Carl Hung, president and CEO of Season Group.
“We have never had a Sales Funnel of the size that it is now. It stands at the equivalent of our annual revenue – with a number of large opportunities due to be added very soon. What I find particularly interesting is that even European companies that source in China are looking at their EMS strategy – concerned that the single-site China EMS companies, with whom they are currently working, could be adversely affected if their US revenues collapse. In addition, the fact that we also have a China operation appears attractive to customers as it can help organize the initial transfer as well as providing an option if the tariffs are ever reversed,” added Charles Tonna, VP Business Operations and Strategy.
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
Insulectro Facilitates Fabricator Access to EMC Mass Lam Capabilities
07/30/2025 | InsulectroInsulectro, the largest distributor of materials used in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards and printed electronics, announces a new service - a system to help our customers to access EMC's well established mass lam offerings. Long a leader in mass lam manufacturing, EMC is the exclusive supplier in Insulectro's laminate and pre preg portfolio.
PARMI USA Expands Mexico Presence with the Addition of Omar Lopez as Sales Manager for Northern Region
07/29/2025 | PARMI USAPARMI USA, INC., a leader in advanced 3D inspection systems, is pleased to announce the hiring of Omar Lopez as Sales Manager for Northern Mexico.
Standard of Excellence: Training Your Team to Excel in Customer Service
07/30/2025 | Anaya Vardya -- Column: Standard of ExcellencePeople often consider technical capability and delivery speed as the gold standards in manufacturing, but customer service is a powerful differentiator. Advanced technologies and rigorous certifications may open doors, but the way a company treats its customers determines whether those doors stay open. It’s essential to train teams to deliver exceptional customer service, from top-level leadership to every point of customer interaction.
It’s Only Common Sense: How to Win Back Lost Customers
07/28/2025 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: It's Only Common SenseLosing customers is inevitable. However, while it’s tempting to focus solely on acquiring new customers, it’s significantly valuable to regain lost customers. I call it bringing home the orphans, and it requires understanding their needs, addressing their concerns, and reestablishing trust.
From Factory Floor to ‘The Component Store’
07/25/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Daniel Beauvois began his career in PCB manufacturing 15 years ago with zero industry experience—just a willingness to learn. Daniel immersed himself in every step of circuit board production, from hanging out on the factory floor to giving plant tours. Now, as founder of The Component Store, he’s an independent sales rep known for integrity, persistence, and deep technical knowledge. In this interview, Daniel reflects on his journey, the realities of being an outside rep, and what it takes to earn—and keep—a customer’s trust in an ever-evolving electronics industry.