Global PCB Connections: Rigid-flex and Flexible PCBs—The Backbone of Modern Electronics
Flexible Thinking: The Key to a Successful Flex Circuit Design Transfer
Happy’s Tech Talk #29: Bend-to-Install Semi-flex FR-4
Electronics Industry Sentiment Dips in December
January 3, 2025 | IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The electronics industry faced a dip in sentiment this December, as the Demand Index declined 1.8 percent according to IPC’s December Sentiment of the Global Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain Report. It remained below 100 for the fourth consecutive month, signaling continued contraction.
Cost pressures continue to challenge operations. The Labor Costs Index climbed two percentage points from its all-time low, while the Material Costs Index dropped four percentage points. The majority of firms continue to report ongoing increases in both labor and material costs, straining operations.
In response to special questions regarding the electronics industry’s concern with proposed tariffs, trade concerns loom large for 2025. A majority (68 percent) of electronics manufacturers and suppliers express at least a moderate concern about the impact of potential tariffs on the electronics industry. A significant portion (38 percent) plan to pass the full cost increase of any tariffs on to their customers. Another 19 percent intend to share the burden, passing along past of the expense while absorbing some internally. Only a small majority (4 percent) expect to absorb the entire cost without raising prices. “These strategies suggest that most firms view transferring at least a portion of tariff-related costs to end-users as unavoidable,” said Shawn DuBravac, Ph.D., IPC chief economist and report author.
Additional survey data show:
- North American electronics manufacturers, along with those operating globally, are experiencing rising backlogs more so than European manufacturers.
- Material costs are declining more among electronics manufacturers in Europe and APAC vs. firms in North America.
- Over the next six months, electronics manufacturers expect labor and material costs to remain high, with ease of recruitment likely to remain challenging.
These results are based upon the findings of IPC’s Current State of Electronics Manufacturing Survey, fielded between November 15 and November 30, 2024.
Read the full report.
Share on:
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
Considering the Future of Impending Copper Tariffs
07/30/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamThe Global Electronics Association is alerting industry members that a potential 50% tariff on copper could hit U.S. electronics manufacturers where it hurts.
Foxconn, TECO Announce Strategic Alliance Targeting AI Data Center Capabilities
07/30/2025 | PRNewswireHon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) and TECO Electric & Machinery Co Ltd Ltd (TECO) on Wednesday announced a share exchange, strategic alliance that will strengthen their AI infrastructure capabilities and propel the two Taiwanese tech majors into key markets in the global super-computing race.
Sypris Wins Awards to Support Subsea Cable Systems
07/29/2025 | BUSINESS WIRESypris Electronics, LLC, a subsidiary of Sypris Solutions, Inc., announced it has secured follow-on contract awards from a leading global provider of subsea cable systems. Under the terms of the agreement,
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.”
North American EMS Industry Down 8.9% in June
07/29/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationThe Global Electronics Association announced today the June 2025 findings from its North American Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.28.