Flexible Thinking: The Key to a Successful Flex Circuit Design Transfer
Happy’s Tech Talk #29: Bend-to-Install Semi-flex FR-4
Choosing the Right Strategic Path
April 29, 2025 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Voices of the Industry: CEE PCB
Tom Yang, CEO of CEE PCB, discusses the current economic challenges, noting reduced purchasing power post-pandemic. He highlights the growing demand for HDI in consumer electronics due to AI growth. Tom also expresses concerns about tariffs under the new U.S. administration, prompting CEE to diversify production locations, including new plants in Southeast Asia. He emphasizes the need for PCB manufacturers to adapt strategically amidst rising costs and fierce competition, particularly for mid-sized shops facing unique challenges in the industry.
Marcy LaRont: Tom, how are you feeling about the state of the economy and the geopolitical and geo-economic climates?
Tom Yang: We cannot say the economy is an ideal situation. Generally, people are more hesitant to spend due to reduced purchasing power compared to pre-pandemic level.
The demand for PCBs varies depending on our client base and product lines. One news item is that the HDI market is gaining a larger share with the increasing use of machine learning (ML) computation and data centers spurred by AI growth. These end customers primarily operate in the consumer electronics sector.
Technology-wise, PCBs haven’t seen major breakthroughs, but overall, HDI is becoming more widely used in various consumer electronics applications (especially smartphones, computers, and wearables) so there is more demand for HDI PCBs.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the April 2025 issue of PCB007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Industry Voices Highlighted in the April 2025 Issue of PCB007 Magazine
04/15/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamWe take the pulse of the PCB industry by sharing insights from leading fabricators and suppliers in this month's issue of PCB007 Magazine. 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 Marketing Minute: Strategic Short-form Content Builds Brand Momentum
04/17/2025 | Brittany Martin -- Column: The Marketing MinuteLast month, I shared how long-form content—like white papers, technical articles, and thought leadership pieces—can establish your company as a knowledgeable, trusted voice in the electronics industry. Long-form content is powerful, but it’s only half the equation. If long-form is the foundation, short-form content is the fuel that keeps your brand top-of-mind and your message moving.
Statement from IPC on ‘Liberation Day’ Pressing for Domestic Manufacturing Strategy
04/03/2025 | IPCIPC, a global electronics association dedicated to furthering the competitive excellence and financial success of more than 3,200 members, shared the following statement today on U.S. tariffs and their implications on the global electronics industry. It can be attributed to Richard Cappetto, IPC senior director of North American government affairs:
Ennostar Announces Merger of EPISTAR and Lextar into Ennostar
03/20/2025 | EnnostarEnnostar Inc. announced its financial results of the fourth quarter of 2024 today (21st), along with a substantial restructuring plan.
SEMI, ESIA Rally Political Support for a European Semiconductor Strategy
03/20/2025 | SEMISeeking to explore semiconductor policy measures that can strengthen the industrial policy in the European Union, SEMI and the European Semiconductor Industry Association (ESIA) have successfully held a high-level roundtable event in the European Parliament under the auspices of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Bart Groothuis (Renew Europe), Oliver Schenk (European People’s Party) and Dan Nica (Socialists and Democrats Party).