SMT Perspectives and Prospects: Warren Buffett’s Perpetual Wisdom, Part 1
Standard of Excellence: Training Your Team to Excel in Customer Service
Smart Automation: What Industry 4.0 Means for Mid-sized Electronics Manufacturing
Global Banking Crisis Signals Economic Volatility, Signs of Recession
April 3, 2023 | IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Economic data over the last month indicates that the global banking crisis will directly affect the ability of companies to buy new equipment, hire new employees, and expand.
“This is just the start of a wider banking crisis,” said Shawn DuBravac, IPC chief economist. “One that will get worse before it gets better. Banks will be cautious, raising lending standards, protecting capital, and creating greater liquidity buffers. Expect the coming months to remain volatile.”
The report also shows that the U.S. job market remained strong, and individuals appear to be reentering the labor market as the economy softens. In addition, the defense and space equipment segment rose 0.6% to another new all-time high. The sector is up 2.3% over the last year.
In Europe, economic growth was flat, while manufacturing production largely stabilized after eight months of contraction. Supply chains continue to improve which is easing strains on production schedules.
Additional data in the March report shows:
- U.S. industrial production was unchanged in February but was down 0.4% including revisions to prior months and came in below consensus expectations of a 0.2% increase.
- U.S. employment gains in the last year have been driven by firms with less than 250 employees. Tightening credit conditions are going to hit this part of the economy the hardest.
- In the EU: Manufacturing output rose in January. Output increased 0.8% (month-on-month) and is up 1.7% over the last year. In addition, the electronics industry, which includes categories such as components, loaded boards, computers, communications equipment, and consumer electronics, rose 4.5% (month-on-month) in January. The sector is up 10.4% over the last year.
- The U.S. job market remained strong in February, adding 311,000 new jobs even with a downward revision to payroll gains in December and January of 34,000 jobs.
View full report. For more information on IPC’s industry intelligence program including new reports, visit: www.ipc.org/advocacy/industry-intelligence.
Share on:
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
Creating Connections in Mexico
07/30/2025 | Michelle Te, Community MagazineA concerted effort by the Global Electronics Association—Mexico team over the past year has created inroads for the Global Electronics Association (formerly IPC) with leading electronics companies, government offices, and academic institutions in Mexico. “Our goal is to bring more awareness to what the Global Electronics Association is and what it offers,” says Lorena Villanueva, senior director. “We also aim to increase our membership. Of 3,200 members of the Global Electronics Association, only 180 are in Mexico.”
Powering Progress: Summer 2025 Community Magazine Now Available
07/22/2025 | Community MagazineIn the new Summer 2025 edition of Community Magazine, members of the Global Electronics Association demonstrate what progress really looks like—through innovation on the factory floor, influence on public policy, and investment in the next generation of engineers.
TRI to Exhibit at SMTA Queretaro Expo 2025
07/16/2025 | TRITest Research, Inc. (TRI), the leading provider of test and inspection systems for the electronics manufacturing industry, is pleased to announce plans to exhibit at the SMTA Querétaro Expo 2025, scheduled to take place on July 24, 2025, at the Querétaro Centro de Congresos y Teatro Metropolitano.
Global PCB Connections: Let the Spec Fit the Board, Not Just the Brand
07/17/2025 | Jerome Larez -- Column: Global PCB ConnectionsIf you’ve ever seen an excellent PCB quote delayed, or worse, go cold because of a single line on the fab print, you’re not alone. Often, that line reads something like, “Use 370HR only,” or “IT-180A required.” These and other brand-name materials are proven performers, but unless your design needs that specific resin system (say, for RF performance, thermal reliability, or stringent CAF resistance), you may inadvertently be holding your job hostage.
IPC Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Lionel Fullwood
07/15/2025 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007Many IPC members who have contributed significantly to IPC and our industry have been awarded the IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame (HOF) Award. Though many early HOF members have passed away and are unknown to today’s IPC membership, their contributions still resonate. This special series on IPC Hall of Fame members provides a reminder of who was honored and why. As a bonus, for those who are still around, we get to find out what these talented individuals are up to today.