This weekly newsletter is a snapshot of the top issues we’re working on for you all over the world, designed to be scanned in under five minutes. Please let us know if you have any questions or suggestions about our advocacy work.
All the best,
Chris Mitchell
Vice President, Global Government Relations
The Headlines at a Glance:
TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK
- CHIPS Act Funds to Benefit Smaller Firms, Circuit-Board Companies
- EU Parliament Addresses Entire Electronics Ecosystem in EU Chips Act
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
- IPC’s Suhani Chitalia on What Industry Needs to Know About PFAS
IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU
- Industry Advances in a New Era at IPC APEX EXPO 2023
- How Can Government Help or Hurt You in 2023?
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
- NDIA Report Finds Policies and Investments Misaligned with Defense Needs
ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH
- How is the Electronics Manufacturing Industry Addressing Sustainability?
- EPA Proposes to Block Over 300 PFAS on TSCA Inventory
TRADE AND SUPPLY CHAIN
- Reps. Eshoo and Moore Urge DoD to Bolster PCB and IC Substrate Manufacturing
- U.S. CHIPS Program Taking Shape
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US
TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK
CHIPS Act Funds to Benefit Smaller Firms, Circuit-Board Companies: U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo confirmed in a recent interview that CHIPS Act funds will go to “smaller firms,” including “circuit-board companies.” We are pleased 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.
EU Parliament Addresses Entire Electronics Ecosystem in EU Chips Act: The European Parliament this week adopted legislative texts that encompass the entire electronics manufacturing ecosystem, including chips “packaging,” printed circuit boards (PCBs), and IC substrates. The legislation, called the European Chips Act, aims to build Europe’s supply chain resiliency and security, but a “silicon-to-systems” approach is needed to further strengthen the bloc’s autonomy. IPC urges the adoption of a final package that includes policy support and funding for related parts of the industrial base and remains committed to working with European institutions and other stakeholders to advance a strong and resilient electronics industry in Europe. Read more in an IPC blog. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
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“In fact, if you look in your home, you are likely to find dozens of products that potentially contain PFAS.”
– IPC Environmental Regulatory Affairs Manager Suhani Chitalia explained why per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) are so widely used and why industry needs to be prepared for possible upcoming bans in a new IPC blog. |
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, printed circuit board (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.
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
NDIA Report Finds Policies and Investments Misaligned with Defense Needs: A new report released by the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) found that U.S. national security policies and financial investments are not aligned with the defense industrial base's needs for great power competition. The report revealed that several components of a resilient industrial base have declined, while budget and economic instability, labor challenges, and limited surge capacity are also headed in the wrong direction. It also highlighted challenges faced by small- and medium-sized businesses (SME), including regulations required to work with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.
ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH
How is the Electronics Manufacturing Industry Addressing Sustainability? IPC is taking the lead in helping electronics manufacturers prioritize sustainability. IPC recognizes that the industry needs to focus on sustainability issues, such as greenhouse gas emissions, life cycle management of products, and supply chain risks. In response, IPC is developing a sustainability strategic plan that includes convening a Sustainability for Electronics Leadership Team and conducting an industry-wide Materiality Assessment. Read more about the IPC Sustainability Initiative in the inaugural issue of IPC Community. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.
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.
TRADE AND SUPPLY CHAIN
Reps. Eshoo and Moore Urge DoD to Bolster PCB and IC Substrate Manufacturing: U.S. Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Blake Moore (R-UT) recently 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, and read my full report on USG efforts to help fund the PCB industry alongside the semiconductor industry in I-Connect007. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.
U.S. CHIPS Program Taking Shape: The U.S. Department of Commerce is currently 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.
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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Is a recession looming in Europe and the United States? Industry intel from IPC’s January Economic Outlook report indicates “yes” to a recession in 2023, but the timing remains uncertain. |
Around 75% percent of electronics manufacturers are experiencing rising material costs, while 74% indicate that labor costs are rising. More details from IPC’s January Sentiment of the Global Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain can be found here. |
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.
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