Dear IPC Members: I hope this message finds you well. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are continuing to garner attention on a state, federal, and global level. Most recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a new rule to restrict the manufacturing or processing of certain PFAS substances. If you have not already, we encourage you to check the potential impacts on your company and share your input by the March 27 deadline.

All the best,

Chris Mitchell
Vice President, Global Government Relations

The Headlines at a Glance: 

TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK 

• Upcoming Deadline - Share Your Input on EPA’s Proposed PFAS Restriction
• CHIPS Act Success Hinges on Establishment of IC Substrate Pilot Facility

QUOTE OF THE WEEK 

• IPC’s John W. Mitchell Encourages Industry Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU 

• How Can Government Help or Hurt You in 2023?

ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH

• New IPC Leadership Council to Address Sustainability Challenges
• ECHA Opens Consultation on PFAS Restriction Dossier

EUROPEAN UNION

• EU Commission Proposes Legislation to Boost Competitiveness and Climate Neutrality
• EU Commission Seeks Input on Environmental Initiative to Reduce Product Impact

TRADE AND SUPPLY CHAIN

• IPC Report Shows Optimism in Industry Despite Economic Uncertainties

UPCOMING EVENTS

• What is the Current Economic Outlook for Manufacturing?

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US

TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK

Upcoming Deadline - Share Your Input on EPA’s Proposed PFAS Restriction: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a new rule 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 insights or questions; the comment period closes on Monday. IPC Contact: Suhani Chitalia.

CHIPS Act Success Hinges on Establishment of IC Substrate Pilot Facility: The success of the CHIPS for America program is dependent on the quick establishment of a U.S. pilot facility for manufacturing integrated circuit (IC) substrates, according to a new report from the IPC Chief Technologist Council. The report highlighted that the United States has limited capabilities to produce the most advanced IC substrates, which are crucial for the production of advanced semiconductors and systems. The council calls on industry and government to collaborate on building an IC Substrate Manufacturing Center of Excellence that can be incrementally improved over time. IPC will continue to support long-term policy and funding to rebuild the entire ecosystem that sustains innovative, resilient, and secure electronics manufacturing in the United States. Read the full report here. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“As we look to the future, sustainability will continue to be top of mind in our industry. The choices we make now to preserve our environment, while continuing to build quality electronics, will require the collaboration of all of us in the electronics manufacturing industry.” – IPC President and CEO John W. Mitchell provided details on and welcomed IPC’s new Sustainability for Electronics Initiative.

IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU

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 an IPC blog about how you can be involved in IPC advocacy in 2023. IPC Contact: Jeff Goldberg.

ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH

New IPC Leadership Council to Address Industry Sustainability Challenges: IPC recently announced the formation of the Sustainability for Electronics Leadership Council, aimed at addressing pressing sustainability challenges faced by the electronics manufacturing industry. Comprising industry experts from various fields, and including representatives from major electronics companies such as Intel, Siemens, and Jabil, the council will work on developing a strategic plan to tackle these challenges. The council expects to present recommendations for a sustainability strategic plan by August 2023. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

ECHA Opens Consultation on PFAS Restriction Dossier: The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has opened the consultation period for the EU REACH restriction on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Stakeholders are encouraged to provide technical input by addressing specific questions outlined by ECHA, such as PFAS emissions in the end-of-life phase. Additionally, ECHA will be holding a webinar on April 5 to discuss the consultation period process with stakeholders. Questions on the restriction can be submitted to ECHA prior to the webinar. The consultation period will be open until September 25. IPC Contact: Suhani Chitalia.

EUROPEAN UNION

EU Commission Proposes Legislation to Boost Competitiveness and Climate Neutrality: The European Commission recently proposed the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) to support the transition to climate neutrality and enhance Europe's net-zero industry competitiveness. The legislation, introduced in response to the U.S Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), will introduce measures to support key sectors in transitioning to a net-zero economy in accordance with the Green Deal Industrial Plan. While the EU Commission criticized the IRA’s use of domestic content requirements for violating World Trade Organization (WTO) trade law, the inclusion of similar clauses in the legislation has raised similar compliance concerns. This development signals a shift in regional industrial strategies towards reducing reliance on global supply chains. IPC Contact: Alison James.

EU Commission Seeks Input on Environmental Initiative to Reduce Product Impact: The European Commission recently launched a call for evidence to determine the first priority products for the Environmental Sustainability Performance Requirements (ESPR) under the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan. The ESPR aims to improve the sustainability of products throughout their life cycle, while also supporting the EU’s internal market. The EU Commission has proposed a number of end-use and intermediary products, as well as horizontal measures based on an initial impact assessment. A questionnaire on the proposed product priorities is now open, while feedback and comments are due by May 12. Let us know if you have any questions. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

TRADE AND SUPPLY CHAIN

IPC Report Shows Optimism in Industry Despite Economic Uncertainties: According to IPC’s March Supply Chain Sentiment Report, the electronics manufacturing industry seems to be optimistic despite the increasing economic uncertainties. The latest report suggests that industry demand remains steady, production is consistent, and there are indications that labor challenges might be easing. Moreover, companies expect to raise prices in 2023, indicating their confidence in the market. You can read the full report here. IPC Contact: Shawn DuBravac.

UPCOMING EVENTS

What is the Current Economic Outlook for Manufacturing? Virtual, April 4, 2023. Join IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac for a free webinar on recent economic data and the current state of the manufacturing sectors in Europe, the United States, and China. Recession has become the base-case scenario for the United States and Europe, but the depth and duration of that recession is still up for debate. In this webinar, you will review what to expect in the coming quarter in terms of growth; the outlook for inflation; and the current health of the supply chain and how it might evolve in the months ahead. IPC Contact: Shawn DuBravac.

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA

The U.S. Department of Commerce recently released its first funding opportunity under the CHIPS for America act to support U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. The announcement included funding for projects related to "advanced packaging,” however, it did not offer funding to printed circuit board (PCB) or integrated circuit (IC) substrate projects. While the focus on advanced packaging is positive, IPC continues to call for a silicon-to-systems innovation strategy to avoid exacerbating vulnerabilities in U.S. electronics manufacturing capacities and capabilities.		IPC’s February Economic Outlook report revealed that economic fundamentals are slowing, but certain sectors like defense and space equipment and other electronics-related industries are holding up well. The report also showed contraction in manufacturing sectors in Europe, the United States, and China, along with a decline in EU electronics manufacturing output. Despite this, manufacturers are continuing to hire, and economists have marginally raised economic growth forecasts for 2023.

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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