Beyond Design: High-speed Rules of Thumb
Global PCB Connections: A Technical Overview of Long-flex Printed Circuit Boards
The Shaughnessy Report: A Handy Look at Rules of Thumb
Rising Material, Labor Costs Continue to Plague Global Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain
December 31, 2021 | IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
IPC’s January 2022 global electronics manufacturing supply chain sentiment report found that materials and labor costs continue to be the largest issue facing the electronics supply chain, with nine in 10 electronics manufacturers reporting rising materials costs and more than three-fourths reporting rising labor costs. Though order flows continue to be strong, and both capacity utilization and shipments are expanding, survey respondents reported growing backlogs and shrinking profit margins.
Among other conclusions, the survey results found that:
- Material costs are currently rising at a higher rate in North American than APAC: 96% of North American manufacturers report rising material costs, a significantly lower 74% report material costs are up in APAC.
- Inventory available to customers is declining at a higher rate in North America compared to both Europe and APAC: 49% of firms in North America reported declining inventory, while only 21% of firms in Europe and 16% of firms in APAC are experiencing declines.
- Manufacturers indicate the current semiconductor shortage is driving longer lead times, delayed deliveries, declining orders, increased inventories, rising costs and lost production. Combined, these impacts are affecting manufacturers’ ability to complete orders, ultimately reducing profitability.
“Manufacturers expect to see continued increase in material and labor costs,” said IPC Chief Economist and report author Shawn DuBravac. “Escalating costs are in turn compressing profit margins. Ease of recruiting and finding skilled talent is expected to remain challenging and inventory levels are expected to remain tight for at least the next six months.”
IPC surveyed hundreds of companies from around the world, including a wide range of company sized and representing the full electronics manufacturing value chain. Survey respondents were from North America (44%), Asia (20%) and Europe (17%).
Share on:
Suggested Items
PCB Design Software Market Expected to Hit $9.2B by 2031
11/21/2024 | openPRThis report provides an overview of the PCB design software market, detailing key market drivers, challenges, technological advancements, regional dynamics, and future trends. With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.4% from 2024 to 2031, the market is expected to grow from USD 3.9 billion in 2024 to USD 9.2 billion by 2031.
IPC Issues Clarion Call for EU to Reclaim Leadership in Electronics Manufacturing
11/21/2024 | IPCIPC released a synopsis of its recent white paper, Securing the European Union’s Electronics Ecosystem. This condensed document presents a comprehensive overview of the current challenges in Europe’s electronics manufacturing industry and shares actionable steps to help the EU achieve a stronger, more autonomous ecosystem.
IPC Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week with a Focus on Electronics Manufacturing Excellence
11/19/2024 | IPCIPC, a leading global electronics industry association and source for industry standards, training and advocacy, is proud to announce its participation in National Apprenticeship Week, scheduled for November 17-23, 2024.
IPC Introduces First Standard for In-Mold Electronics
11/18/2024 | IPCIPC announces the release of IPC-8401, Guidelines for In-Mold Electronics. IPC-8401 addresses in-mold electronics (IME) technology, providing industry consensus on guidelines for manufacturing processes, part structures, material selection, and production test methods to integrate printed electronics and components into 3D smart structures.
Disruptive Innovation and Generative AI Inventor, Kevin Surace, to Keynote IPC APEX EXPO 2025
11/15/2024 | IPCEach year, IPC APEX EXPO features industry’s most dynamic, innovative minds to deliver keynote presentations that are both educational and entertaining. IPC APEX EXPO 2025 will feature Kevin Surace, an internationally renowned futurist and generative artificial intelligence (AI) innovator.