IPC Webinar Review: Tariff Tensions Influence Electronics Supply Chain

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

IPC continued its important discussion of the operational impact of new tariff policies on the electronics manufacturing supply chain by addressing a primarily European audience in a webinar on Thursday, April 10. This webinar focused on critical developments in global trade policy affecting Europe, and how trade tensions are influencing strategic decisions across the electronics supply chain.

Alison James, senior director of European government relations, hosted the event. Speakers included Jose Maria Vinals and Milla Kasulke of Squire Patton Boggs, and Raphael Beaujeu of DECISION. They highlighted IPC’s region-specific approach to government relations and efforts in Europe to strengthen the electronics industrial base and align regulatory frameworks to reduce burdens on business operations.

In collaboration with numerous European companies and industry associations, IPC has launched a call to action, urging EU institutions and member states to support policies and funding that encourage business investment to revitalize regional electronics manufacturing, enhance economic competitiveness, drive innovation, and improve national security.

Much time was spent delving into the complex and rapidly changing tariff environment driven by the U.S., which announced trade policies in early April that have included a 10% universal import tariff. On April 9, it was announced that the reciprocal tariffs above 10%, which had gone into effect that morning, would be paused for 90 days for all countries except China, which was to be increased to 125% plus an additional 20% tariff previously imposed.

Though driven by multiple U.S. objectives aimed at increasing trade equity for the U.S. and increasing federal revenue, the U.S. presidential administration is also looking at domestic manufacturing incentives. The scope of these tariffs—especially their application to electronics components and inputs—has raised great concern about global supply chain disruption and cost escalation beyond even pandemic-era disruptions.

The webinar speakers addressed Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum and warned of possible expansion to copper and derivative products—materials essential in electronics and PCB production. They also flagged increased administrative and compliance burdens for companies due to origin tracing and tariff classification rules.

Opportunities do exist for businesses to adjust their operations. Strategies such as tariff engineering, contract renegotiation, and supply chain relocation are being explored to mitigate risk. Some companies are examining joint ventures and mergers in tariff-favorable regions to maintain access to the U.S. market.

On Wednesday, the European Union paused its retaliatory tariffs toward the U.S. and is aiming instead to negotiate with the Trump administration for a zero-for-zero tariff agreement. EU regulators have also delayed or adjusted certain environmental, social, governance (ESG)-related regulations to maintain a flexible stance in trade discussions. At the same time, new enforcement tools like anti-coercion mechanisms and restrictions on public procurement are being prepared by European leaders should negotiations fail.

As the Thursday webinar concluded, presenters stressed the dual impact of tariffs: a direct hit to electronics exports and an indirect blow via reduced demand in downstream industries. Companies are encouraged to engage with legal and trade advisors to navigate the current landscape, optimize supply chains, and prepare for a shifting regulatory future.

A similar IPC webinar took place April 3, targeting a mostly U.S.-based audience, featuring Kasulke as the main presenter.

Additional IPC resources to help navigate the ongoing changes in trade policy include:

• IPC.org Trade Policy Page
• IPC Global Advocacy Report