-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueThe Hole Truth: Via Integrity in an HDI World
From the drilled hole to registration across multiple sequential lamination cycles, to the quality of your copper plating, via reliability in an HDI world is becoming an ever-greater challenge. This month we look at “The Hole Truth,” from creating the “perfect” via to how you can assure via quality and reliability, the first time, every time.
In Pursuit of Perfection: Defect Reduction
For bare PCB board fabrication, defect reduction is a critical aspect of a company's bottom line profitability. In this issue, we examine how imaging, etching, and plating processes can provide information and insight into reducing defects and increasing yields.
Voices of the Industry
We take the pulse of the PCB industry by sharing insights from leading fabricators and suppliers in this month's issue. We've gathered their thoughts on the new U.S. administration, spending, the war in Ukraine, and their most pressing needs. It’s an eye-opening and enlightening look behind the curtain.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
Electronics Industry Supply Chains Look Healthy; Inventories Expand
September 1, 2023 | IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute

Though cost pressures continue to impact the electronics industry, product demand and inventories remain positive, leading to a healthy supply chain per IPC’s August 2023 Global Sentiment of the Electronics Supply Chain Report.
“Over the next six months, electronics manufacturers expect to see continued increase in both labor and material costs, although to a lesser extent than current conditions,” said Shawn DuBravac IPC chief economist. “Conversely, while backlogs and profit margins are expected to improve, ease of recruitment is likely to remain challenging.”
Additional survey data show:
- The Labor Costs Index rose four points in August. The index remains extremely elevated. The electronics industry has yet to see a break in the trend of raising labor costs.
- The Material Costs Index rose five points in August. This is the first monthly increase since October 2022. Future months will help determine if this rise was driven by data volatility or a more meaningful trend.
- The Shipment Index rose solidly in August and remains in expansionary territory. The Orders Index rose one point and also remains in expansionary territory.
- The Backlog Index rose in August but remains in contraction territory, though just barely. New orders and shipments seem well balanced in the electronics industry right now which has likely weakened backlogs.
For the report, IPC surveyed hundreds of companies from around the world, including a wide range of company sizes representing the full electronics manufacturing value chain. View full report.
Suggested Items
Compal Announces Completion of New Automotive Electronics Facility in Poland, Signaling Strategic Growth in Europe
06/30/2025 | Compal Electronics Inc.Compal Electronics is proud to announce the completion of Phase One of its new manufacturing facility in Czeladź, Silesian Voivodeship, Poland, marking a major milestone in its strategic expansion into the European automotive electronics market.
Leadership Development Continues at Incap Slovakia
06/30/2025 | IncapIncap Slovakia has launched the first leadership development training of 2025 as part of its ongoing Team Leaders Academy programme.
Flexible Electronics Market to Reach $66.9 Billion by 2032, Growing at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2025
06/30/2025 | PRNewswireThe flexible electronics market is projected to reach $66.9 billion by 2032, up from an estimated $38.4 billion in 2025, growing at a robust CAGR of 9.2% during the forecast period.
Incap Estonia Recognized with Second Golden Label for Responsible Business
06/27/2025 | IncapIncap Electronics Estonia has been awarded a golden label by the Responsible Business Forum in Estonia for the second time. The responsible business label is a prestigious symbol in Estonia that identifies entrepreneurs and organisations that demonstrate excellence in environmental, social, and economic responsibility.
TRI Unveils New Multi-Camera AOI, TR7500 SIII Ultra
06/27/2025 | TRITest Research, Inc. (TRI), the leading test and inspection systems provider for the electronics manufacturing industry, proudly introduces the new TR7500 SIII Ultra.