-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- smt007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueWhat's Your Sweet Spot?
Are you in a niche that’s growing or shrinking? Is it time to reassess and refocus? We spotlight companies thriving by redefining or reinforcing their niche. What are their insights?
Moving Forward With Confidence
In this issue, we focus on sales and quoting, workforce training, new IPC leadership in the U.S. and Canada, the effects of tariffs, CFX standards, and much more—all designed to provide perspective as you move through the cloud bank of today's shifting economic market.
Intelligent Test and Inspection
Are you ready to explore the cutting-edge advancements shaping the electronics manufacturing industry? The May 2025 issue of SMT007 Magazine is packed with insights, innovations, and expert perspectives that you won’t want to miss.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - smt007 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
Wolfspeed Stock Soars After Filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
07/01/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamOn July 1, Wolfspeed shares doubled following the company’s announcement on June 30 that it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Zollner Completes Full Acquisition of Bluechips Microhouse
07/01/2025 | Zollner Elektronik AGZollner Elektronik AG has successfully finalized its com- plete takeover of Bluechips Microhouse Co., Ltd., in Thailand. In the future the company will operate as part of the Zollner Group of companies under the leadership of Thomas Kiefl – strategically networked, technologically focused and internationally oriented.
Inission Acquires the Lithuanian Company Selteka
07/01/2025 | InissionInission AB has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of UAB Selteka. Selteka is a well-respected EMS (electronics manufacturing services) company with operations located in Kaunas, Lithuania.
RTX, Shield AI Partner to Develop New Defense Capabilities
07/01/2025 | RTXRTX and Shield AI announced a new partnership to integrate Shield AI capabilities into select RTX defense products, like loitering munitions and sensors. This collaboration will deliver enhanced, autonomous capabilities to US and allied defense forces.
Lockheed Martin Completes Acquisition of Amentum’s Rapid Solutions Portfolio
07/01/2025 | Lockheed MartinLockheed Martin has closed its acquisition of the Rapid Solutions business of Amentum, an engineering and technology solutions company.