Global Sourcing Spotlight: How Global Sourcing Drives Innovation
One World, One Industry: IPC APEX EXPO 2025 Marks a Special Anniversary Year
Nolan’s Notes: Your Golden Ticket
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:
Suggested Items
IPC Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Denny Fritz
03/13/2025 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007This month, the Hall of Fame spotlight features Denny Fritz, a long-time friend and associate of mine. Denny first got involved with IPC in 1978 while working with MacDermid. His first efforts were with the various board fabrication committees, something he believes helped lead to his eventual Hall of Fame award.
IPC Asia’s Talent Development Program Opens Pathways to a More Qualified Workforce
03/14/2025 | Evelyn Cui, IPC AsiaIn Asia, the contradiction between the rapid development of the electronics manufacturing industry and the shortage of talent is particularly evident. The existing talent pool cannot fully meet the market's demand for highly skilled professionals. According to feedback from industry companies, there is an urgent need for professionals with knowledge of IPC standards and practical skills in electronics. However, the reality is that most academic courses are disconnected from the actual needs of the industry, leading to disappointing results when companies recruit from universities and schools.
Ventec International Group Announce Launch of VT-47LT IPC4101 /126 Prepreg for HDI
03/12/2025 | Ventec International GroupVentec International Group announce launch of VT-47LT IPC4101 / 126 Prepreg. Are Microvia Failures Plaguing Your HDI Any Layer Designs? High-density interconnect (HDI) designs are pushing the envelope - higher layer count HDI relies on complex microvia designs: skip vias, staggered microvias, and stacked microvias in sequential laminations.
IPC Releases Latest List of Standards and Revisions
03/12/2025 | IPCEach quarter, IPC releases a list of standards that are new or have been updated. To view a complete list of newly published standards and standards revisions, translations, proposed standards for ballot, final drafts for industry review, working drafts, and project approvals, visit ipc.org/status. These are the latest releases for Q1 2025.
The Test Connection Inc. Promotes Melanie Rutkauskas to Director of Operations for The Training Connection, LLC
03/11/2025 | The Test Connection Inc.The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a leading provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions, is pleased to announce the promotion of Melanie Rutkauskas to Director of Operations for The Training Connection, LLC (TTC-LLC). With her extensive background in operations management, accounting, and customer relations, Melanie brings a wealth of experience and leadership to her new role.