Plus, don't forget to complete our survey on how government policies impact your business. We value your input and will use it to shape our advocacy efforts in 2023. Please let us know if you have any questions or suggestions.
All the best,
Chris Mitchell
Vice President, Global Government Relations
The Headlines at a Glance:
TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK
- Reps. Eshoo and Moore Urge DoD to Bolster PCB and IC Substrate Manufacturing
- CHIPS Act Funds to Benefit Smaller Firms, Circuit-Board Companies
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
- IPC’s Shawn DuBravac on the Economic Trends He’s Watching in 2023
IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU
- Industry Advances in a New Era at IPC APEX EXPO 2023
- How Can Government Help or Hurt You in 2023?
ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH
- EPA Proposes to Block Over 300 PFAS on TSCA Inventory
EUROPEAN UNION
- EU Commission Releases Green Deal Industrial Plan
TRADE AND SUPPLY CHAIN
- U.S. CHIPS Program Taking Shape
- Electronics Industry Shows Resiliency Despite Challenges
- Is a Recession Looming in the United States and Europe?
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US
TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK
Reps. Eshoo and Moore Urge DoD to Bolster PCB and IC Substrate Manufacturing: This week, U.S. Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Blake Moore (R-UT) called on the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to use the Defense Production Act (DPA) to increase domestic production of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and integrated circuit (IC) substrates. With over 50% of PCBs being imported from China, they said it is critical that the DoD increase domestic production and ensure the use of electronics from trusted sources. Read the full letter here. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.
CHIPS Act Funds to Benefit Smaller Firms, Circuit-Board Companies: U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo confirmed this week in an interview with Freakonomics that CHIPS Act funds will go to “smaller firms,” including “circuit-board companies.” We are thrilled to see Sec. Raimondo taking action to support the electronics manufacturing industry, and we are pleased to see IPC’s message is getting through. In order to achieve the goals of the CHIPS Act, the U.S. Government must invest in the entire electronics manufacturing ecosystem, including printed circuit boards (PCBs) and IC substrates. Listen to the full interview here. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
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“I’m really focused on shifting tailwinds and headwinds.”
– IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac spoke with I-Connect007 on which economic issues might directly affect the electronics manufacturing industry this year. |
IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU
Industry Advances in a New Era at IPC APEX EXPO 2023: IPC APEX EXPO 2023 was a resounding success with over 6,900 attendees and 375 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technology in electronics manufacturing. This year’s show, which had a strong focus on smart factories, PCB fabrication and materials, and high-density interconnects, was fueled by the possibilities of new advances in the industry. Read our full recap of the event here, and we hope to see you Anaheim, California for IPC APEX EXPO 2024! IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.
How Can Government Help or Hurt You in 2023? IPC is conducting a survey to gather information on the top concerns of electronics manufacturing professionals like you and how government policies can either help or hurt you in the next few years. The survey, which will help shape IPC's advocacy efforts in 2023, takes only a few minutes to complete and is a great opportunity to voice your concerns and shape future policies. Read a recent IPC blog about how you can be involved in IPC advocacy in 2023. IPC Contact: Jeff Goldberg.
ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH
EPA Proposes to Block Over 300 PFAS on TSCA Inventory: On January 26, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a significant new use rule (SNUR) that would block the manufacturing or processing of approximately 330 per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) listed as “inactive” under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The rule, the latest of several measures the EPA is taking to regulate PFAS chemicals, will require companies to file an application before any additional manufacture, import, or processing of listed chemical substances. Please let us know if you have any questions; comments close on March 27. IPC Contact: Suhani Chitalia.
ECHA Releases PFAS Restriction Proposal: On February 7, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published a proposed restriction on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as part of the EU REACH Regulations Annex XV Dossier. The proposed ban, which will likely have significant effects on the electronics sector and its supply chain, covers the manufacture, marketing, and use of PFAS, and is the most comprehensive restriction that ECHA has proposed to date. The consultation period for the proposal begins on March 22. For more information on the latest PFAS policies around the globe, see IPC’s recently published blog. IPC Contact: Suhani Chitalia.
EUROPEAN UNION
EU Commission Releases Green Deal Industrial Plan: On February 1, the European Commission released its Green Deal Industrial Plan to boost investments in Europe’s net-zero industry and support the bloc’s transition to climate neutrality. The plan is based on four pillars:
- A simplified regulatory environment;
- Facilitated access to funding;
- Enhancing skills; and
- Ensuring open trade for resilient supply chains.
The plan also proposes to accelerate access to public investment and financing for clean tech production in Europe by amending the Temporary State Aid Crisis and Transition Framework. The plan is “partly in response to the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, which will provide $369 billion of subsidies for electric vehicles and other green products,” Reuters reports. Discussions with EU Member States are in progress. IPC Contact: Alison James.
TRADE AND SUPPLY CHAIN
U.S. CHIPS Program Taking Shape: The U.S. Department of Commerce is ramping up efforts to implement the CHIPS and Science Act, passed last year. The CHIPS for America team is working to provide funding opportunities and application processes for chipmakers, material suppliers, and research and development (R&D) facilities throughout the year. The team is also working with the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to launch the Tech Hubs program to drive innovation and growth. Stay tuned for more information. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.
Electronics Industry Shows Resiliency Despite Challenges: According to IPC’s January Global Sentiment Survey, 75% of electronics manufacturers are experiencing rising material costs, while 74% indicate that labor costs are rising. With potential risks on the horizon including the threat of weak product demand leading to undesirably high levels of inventory, overall industry sentiment shows surprising resiliency per the January report. Let us know if you have any questions. IPC Contact: Shawn DuBravac.
Is a Recession Looming in the United States and Europe? According to IPC’s January Economic Outlook report, all signs indicate “yes” to a recession in 2023, but the timing remains uncertain. Both the United States and Europe reported stronger growth in Q4 of 2022 than was expected, but both economies are slowing. For more on what might lie ahead, be sure to check out IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac’s Monthly Economic Outlook Report. IPC Contact: Shawn DuBravac.
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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What are PFAS, and what impact do they have on the electronics manufacturing industry? IPC Manager of Environmental Regulatory Affairs Suhani Chitalia explained what electronics manufacturers need to know in an interview with I-Connect007 at IPC APEX EXPO. |
How is the electronics manufacturing industry addressing the issue of sustainability? IPC Lead Sustainability Strategist Kelly Scanlon explained the reasoning behind the IPC Sustainability Initiative in the inaugural issue of our new magazine, IPC Community. |
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US
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.
Subscribe to IPC Global Advocacy Report: If you’re a member of IPC, manage your e-mail preferences and opt in to receive “Advocacy” updates. If you are not an IPC member — or you’re not sure — please send a note to friends@ipc.org, and our staff will add you to the list.
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Contact one of us if you have any questions or insights to contribute.
See prior editions of Global Advocacy Report.
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