-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueInventing the Future with SEL
Two years after launching its state-of-the-art PCB facility, SEL shares lessons in vision, execution, and innovation, plus insights from industry icons and technology leaders shaping the future of PCB fabrication.
Sales: From Pitch to PO
From the first cold call to finally receiving that first purchase order, the July PCB007 Magazine breaks down some critical parts of the sales stack. To up your sales game, read on!
The 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.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
Subdued Electronics Industry Sentiment Continues in November
November 25, 2024 | IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The electronics industry faced a mixed sentiment in November, with modest improvements in demand overshadowed by rising cost pressures according to IPC’s November Sentiment of the Global Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain Report.
The Demand Index rose 2.6 percent in November but remains subdued for the third consecutive month. The Backlog Index, already in contraction, fell an additional two points to reach a new record low. Capacity Utilization returned to expansionary territory, while the New Orders Index improved slightly but stayed in contraction for the third straight month. The Shipment Index rose three points, signaling some positive movement.
In response to special questions regarding the electronics industry workforce’s basic understanding of AI skills, 69 percent of respondents agreed that a broad understanding of AI will be essential for the workforce, yet only 11 percent of employees have received AI training to date, indicating a significant gap between perceived importance and current investment in skills development.
According to Shawn DuBravac, Ph.D., IPC chief economist and report author, industry outlook remains positive this month despite cost concerns. “Industry outlook remains optimistic, with expectations for demand improving. However, concerns over rising costs weigh on confidence as firms brace for continued pressures,” stated Dr. DuBravac.
Additional survey data show:
- Cost pressures intensify -- The Labor Costs Index remained flat at its all-time low. However, the Material Costs Index climbed to its highest level since June 2024, highlighting renewed cost pressures. A majority of firms continue to report rising material and labor costs, adding strain to operations.
- Outlook for next six months -- Over the next six months, electronics manufacturers expect labor and material costs to remain high, with ease of recruitment likely to remain challenging.
- Regional differences in outlook -- Nearly three-fifths (57 percent) of electronics manufacturers in APAC, along with half (48 percent) of North American manufacturers, expect capacity utilization to increase over the next six months, which is significantly higher than the 8 percent increase expected among those operating globally.
These results are based upon the findings of IPC’s Current State of Electronics Manufacturing Survey, fielded between September 16 and September 30, 2024.
Read the full report.
Testimonial
"Advertising in PCB007 Magazine has been a great way to showcase our bare board testers to the right audience. The I-Connect007 team makes the process smooth and professional. We’re proud to be featured in such a trusted publication."
Klaus Koziol - atgSuggested Items
Missile Strike on Ukraine Hits Flex Facility
08/22/2025 | FlexOn the morning of August 21, 2025, our facility in Mukachevo, Ukraine, was damaged during a missile strike. Our emergency protocols were executed to ensure the full evacuation of the site.
TPCA Establishes Thailand PCB Academy in Bangkok
08/22/2025 | TPCAA distinguished delegation of distinguished guests from industry, government, academia, and research in Taiwan and Thailand, including representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI), and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand (TECO), as well as professors from several Thai universities and member companies, attended the historic occasion.
SINBON Celebrates Opening of New US Manufacturing Facility
08/21/2025 | PRNewswireLeading electronics system integrator SINBON Electronics Co., Ltd. held an opening ceremony on August 18 to celebrate its new 59,000-square-foot facility in Clayton, Ohio.
PEDC Call for Abstracts Deadline Extended to Aug. 31
08/20/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamThe second Pan-European Electronics Design Conference (PEDC) will take place Jan. 21-22, 2026, in Prague, Czech Republic. The call for abstracts deadline has been extended to Aug. 31. Organized jointly by the German Electronics Design and Manufacturing Association (FED) and the Global Electronics Association (formerly IPC), PEDC serves as a European platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and innovation in electronics design and development.
Nano Silver Inks Market Forecast Report 2025-2030
08/20/2025 | Globe NewswireThe Nano Silver Inks Market is expected to grow from USD 427.415 million in 2025 to USD 836.160 million in 2030, at a CAGR of 14.36%.