-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueVoices 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.
The Essential Guide to Surface Finishes
We go back to basics this month with a recount of a little history, and look forward to addressing the many challenges that high density, high frequency, adhesion, SI, and corrosion concerns for harsh environments bring to the fore. We compare and contrast surface finishes by type and application, take a hard look at the many iterations of gold plating, and address palladium as a surface finish.
It's Show Time!
In this month’s issue of PCB007 Magazine we reimagine the possibilities featuring stories all about IPC APEX EXPO 2025—covering what to look forward to, and what you don’t want to miss.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
IPC Releases March 2025 Global Sentiment of the Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain Report
April 2, 2025 | IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
This past March, electronics industry demand strengthened to its highest level in nearly a year, indicating strong expansion in customer and manufacturing activity according to IPC’s [IPC-Current-Sentimen-Global-EMSChain0525.pdf] March Sentiment of the Global Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain Report. In addition, the Shipment Index also reached its highest point since March 2024, reflecting firms’ abilities to fulfill rising demand and maintain supply chain performance. Capacity utilization increased to its highest level since late 2023, indicating strong operational activity and efficient resource deployment.
Per the report, ease of recruiting skilled talent improved to a record-high, indicating that hiring constraints are continuing to ease for many firms. Material costs have risen, reversing a multi-month decline and pointing to renewed input cost pressures that may warrant monitoring. Labor costs decreased slightly.
In response to special questions regarding supply chain management strategies being considered or implemented to address the impact of recent or proposed tariffs, 31 percent of electronics manufacturers have invested in automation or optimization to counter the impact of tariffs, while 28 percent have switched to non-tariffed suppliers.
Sixty-one percent of electronics manufacturers are considering renegotiating supplier contracts, making it the most widely considered supply chain strategy. Said Shawn DuBravac, Ph.D., IPC chief economist and report author, “On the workforce side, 18 percent have implemented a hiring freeze, with another 36 percent considering it—indicating growing caution around workforce expansion.”
Additional survey data show:
- Over the next six months, electronics manufacturers expect labor and material costs to remain high, with a notable increase in both orders and shipments.
- European electronics manufacturers anticipate a greater decline in capacity utilization over the next six months when compared to North American electronics manufacturers.
- On average, 29 percent of manufacturers’ supply chains are currently reliant on Chinese suppliers.
- Electronics manufacturers expressed greatest concern regarding U.S. trade policies as it relates to overall economic impact (47 percent) and Impact on Business Operations (32 percent).
These results are based upon the findings of IPC’s Current State of Electronics Manufacturing Survey, fielded between February 13 and February 28, 2025.
Read the full report.
Suggested Items
IPC Strengthens Global Leadership Team with Addition of Joe Schneider as Vice President of U.S/Canada
04/25/2025 | IPCIPC, the global electronics association, announces the strategic appointment of Joe Schneider as vice president of U.S./Canada. This newly created executive position underscores the association’s commitment to championing the electronics industry's critical contributions to this region’s innovation and economic growth.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
04/25/2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007I’m highlighting a discussion on the positive potential coming from the recent changes in global trade policy—from IPC’s Government Relations team, and from TTM CEO Tom Edman. In the realm of designers and purchasers realm, there’s news from Screaming Circuits and ASC/Sunstone Circuits to share. Finally, additive manufacturing and the release of CFX 2.0 highlight just some of the news coming to the shop floor as well.
KYZEN Focuses on Aqueous Cleaning and Stencil Cleaning at SMTA Wisconsin
04/24/2025 | KYZEN'KYZEN, the global leader in innovative environmentally responsible cleaning chemistries, will exhibit at the SMTA Wisconsin Expo and Tech Forum, scheduled to take place Tuesday, May 6 at the Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport. KYZEN will be on-site to provide attendees with information about aqueous cleaning chemistry AQUANOX A4618 and stencil cleaner KYZEN E5631J.
TRI at SMTA Wisconsin Expo 2025
04/24/2025 | TRITest Research, Inc. (TRI), the leading test and inspection systems provider for the electronics manufacturing industry, will join the SMTA Wisconsin Expo 2025.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Empowering IPC North Asia—Leadership and Future Goals
04/24/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPONolan Johnson catches up with Sydney Xiao, the IPC North Asia President, who leads a team covering China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. IPC's North Asia regions 800 members are focusing on standards, training, and advocacy to enhance quality and profitability. The adoption of IPC standards by Toyota in 2021 highlights this increased regional engagement. IPC prioritizes workforce development, with over 7,000 professionals in certification programs and school partnerships.