Dear IPC Members:

Are you ready for IPC APEX EXPO 2021?

It’s not too late to register to join us virtually, March 8-12, for the fastest-growing association show in the United States. There’s something for everyone in our industry: meetings, courses, networking events, and you can safely participate from the comfort of your home or office. We hope you will join us and follow us day-by-day on LinkedIn and/or Twitter.

Meanwhile, our policy advocacy efforts are in full swing this week, highlighted by a letter IPC sent to U.S. President Joe Biden detailing our policy priorities.

Read on for the latest advocacy highlights from around the globe this week, boiled down to a five-minute read. We welcome your comments and questions.

All the best,

Chris Mitchell
Vice President, Global Government Relations

TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK

IPC Outlines Policy Priorities Linking “Build Electronics Better” to Biden’s “Build Back Better”: This week, IPC sent a letter to U.S. President Joe Biden outlining a comprehensive policy agenda to ensure the long-term growth and resilience of electronics manufacturing. In its breadth and detail, this letter is a new landmark in IPC advocacy, reflecting the many ways our industry is influenced by government action. IPC welcomes the opportunity to work with the Biden administration, just as we have done with every new administration. Read the letter and click here to send a copy to your elected officials! IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

Compliance Deadline Looms on PIP (3:1): The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final risk management rule for phenol, isopropylated, phosphate (3:1) (PIP (3:1) goes into effect on Monday, March 8. The rule prohibits the processing and distribution of this substance or products containing this substance. PIP (3:1) has a history of use in electronics. Will this new rule affect your supply chain? Let us know, and meanwhile read this IPC blog for more information. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

IPC’s Latest Economic Trends Report: There’s good news emerging for the global economy, which continues to improve due to the downward trajectory of new coronavirus cases and the increased availability of vaccines. IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac details the latest data in IPC’s February Economic Outlook Report. Please let us know if you have any questions. IPC Contact: Shawn DuBravac.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Your call for a resurgence in U.S. manufacturing signals a federal commitment that is sorely needed and long overdue. The U.S. Government needs to move beyond rhetorical support and provide meaningful and tangible programs that collectively constitute a coordinated, bipartisan vision for the future of manufacturing.” ”
– IPC letter to U.S. President Joe Biden outlining our industry’s policy priorities.

IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU

Meet the IPC GR Team: Whether it’s engaging with policymakers in Washington, D.C., in the European Union or in China, the IPC Government Relations (GR) Team proactively seeks opportunities to educate, inform and influence policymakers on policies that spur innovation, growth and competition, while protecting human health and the environment. But our success depends on your support and engagement. Learn more and get involved in IPC advocacy today!  IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

IPC Calls for Increased Domestic Semiconductor Manufacturing: IPC recently joined a multi-association coalition calling on the Biden administration to incentivize domestic production of semiconductors. The letter expresses support for the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Act, which was enacted into law as part of FY21 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and calls for funding semiconductor research and manufacturing initiatives. See the full letter for more details. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE

Cardona Confirmed as Next U.S. Education Secretary: IPC welcomes U.S. Senate confirmation of Miguel Cardona to lead the U.S. Department of Education. The future of U.S electronics manufacturing depends on a robust pipeline of skilled new workers. IPC and the IPC Education Foundation are doing our part to upskill and educate the workforce of tomorrow, and we are interested in Biden administration proposals to lend industry more support. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY

Comment Period Extended for TSCA Fees Rule: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed "Fees Rule" under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) could have financial impacts on your company. The EPA has extended the comment period through March 27. IPC has been advocating for commonsense reforms to the 2018 rule, and we are pleased that the new proposed rule appears to make important and positive changes. Check out this IPC blog for the latest on the Fees Rule, and let us know if you have any questions or input. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.
 
EC Opens Applications for Expert Group on Chemicals Strategy: The European Commission is calling for applications to join an expert group advising on the implementation of the chemicals strategy for sustainability. The group will specifically work to identify and address social, economic, and cultural barriers to the transition toward safe and sustainable chemicals. The deadline to submit applications is March 18. Have any interest? Let us know. IPC contact: Alison James.
 
Help IPC Review EU RoHS Directive: IPC is currently watching and engaging in the European Commission’s review of its Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive in electrical and electronic equipment, and we need your help. IPC welcomes electronics experts who are familiar with RoHS issues to lend their expertise to the exemption renewal process. Please contact Kelly Scanlon if you would like to join one of several working groups addressing Annex III exemptions. Read more about IPC’s review of the EU’s RoHS Directive here.

Interested in Chemical and Product Regulations in Asia? Thailand and China are the first countries to undergo an updated deep dive by our environmental, health, and safety (EHS) experts in 2021. These are just two of our nine white papers on the history of chemical regulations, current regulatory systems, and anticipated trends in the Asia-Pacific region. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

EUROPEAN UNION

EU Member States Call for Digital Sovereignty: Four European Union Member States issued a joint letter calling on the European Commission to strengthen key digital sectors given concerns the bloc has become increasingly reliant on foreign technology. The letter urged the commission to “identify systems of critical technologies and strategic sectors,” and to speed up "digital sovereignty" and the creation of the "digital single market." The letter comes ahead of the EU’s plans for a new industrial policy and against the backdrop of global microchip shortages. IPC Contact: Alison James.

EC Releases Plan to Support Industrial Base: On February 22, the European Commission released an action plan to enhance Europe's technological edge; support its industrial base; and bolster its technological sovereignty by improving cooperation between civil, defense, and space industries. Notably, the plan seeks to reduce Europe’s dependencies in critical technologies including semiconductors and microelectronics as well as ultra-low power microprocessors. IPC Contact: Alison James.

TRADE AND SUPPLY CHAIN

Raimondo Confirmed as U.S. Commerce Secretary: IPC applauds U.S. Senate confirmation of former Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo to serve as the next U.S. Secretary of Commerce. The Commerce Department has a significant role in U.S. trade, manufacturing, and technology policy, as reflected in this interview with NBC News. Raimondo’s background in business and government makes her well-suited to help U.S electronics manufacturing not just compete but excel on a global stage. Stay tuned! IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

How U.S. Manufacturers Were Hobbled by Semiconductor Chip Shortage: “Semiconductor manufacturers weren’t getting orders from auto manufacturers. They were getting orders from other industries, so they started to reallocate production.” IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac commented in the Washington Post about the supply chain issues affecting automotive and other industries across the globe. IPC Contact: Shawn DuBravac.

Biden Putting Tech at Core of U.S.-China Policy: U.S. President Joe Biden is putting semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and next-generation networks at the heart of U.S. strategy towards Asia, Bloomberg reports. The strategy will involve an alliance of nations partnering to gain an edge over China in sectors like semiconductor fabrication. This move comes on the heels of a recent report from a U.S. national security commission warning that China will dominate AI and other technology unless the U.S. invests more in key technologies. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

IPC Commends Biden for Executive Order on Industrial Supply Chains: IPC supports U.S. President Joe Biden ordering a review of industrial supply chains critical to U.S. economic growth, innovation, and security. The executive order, signed February 24, will institute a 100-day review of the global supply chain for items including semiconductor chips and critical minerals used in electronics. The current worldwide shortage of chips underscores the economic and national security importance of rebuilding U.S. leadership in electronics manufacturing. Read our full statement here. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US

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