| Meanwhile, our policy advocacy efforts remain in full swing around the globe. Read on for the latest advocacy highlights from 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
The Headlines at a Glance:
TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK
- IPC Urges Clarity on IC Substrates and PCBs in CHIPS for America Program
- IPC Experts Share How to Strengthen U.S. Advanced Electronics Ecosystem
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
- IPC VPs Chris Mitchell and Matt Kelly Share their “Four Steps to Ensure Success of CHIPS Act” in National Defense Magazine
IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU
- My Top Ten Takeaways from IPC APEX EXPO
- 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 Seeks Input on Environmental Initiative to Reduce Product Impact
- EU Parliament Addresses Entire Electronics Ecosystem in EU Chips Act
TRAIN AND SUPPLY CHAIN
- IPC Report Shows Solid Industry Performance Despite Expected Rising Costs
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US
TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK
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IPC Urges Clarity on IC Substrates and PCBs in CHIPS for America Program: On February 28, the U.S. Department of Commerce released its first funding opportunity under the CHIPS for America act to support U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. The announcement notably included funding for projects related to "advanced packaging,” however, it did not appear to offer funding to printed circuit board (PCB) or 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. Read more in a new IPC blog. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.
IPC Experts Share How to Strengthen U.S. Advanced Electronics Ecosystem: If the United States wants to be a global leader in semiconductor design and manufacturing, it needs to be a leader in advanced packaging as well. In a joint op-ed in National Defense Magazine, IPC’s Matt Kelly and I outlined four key policy decisions that can help build a more robust, domestic ecosystem for advanced electronics, including:
- Investing in advanced packaging capacity;
- Investing in research and development (R&D);
- Promoting supply chain partnerships instead of supplier relationships; and
- Making strategic decisions on what the industry is building and for whom.
Learn more about these policy decisions and their implications for the industry in the full article here. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
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“The United States risks lengthening the semiconductor supply chain – not shortening it – if the CHIPS Act does not also support advanced packaging and PCBs.”
– IPC’s Matt Kelly and Chris Mitchell share their “Four Steps to Ensure Success of CHIPS Act” in National Defense Magazine. |
IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU
My Top Ten Takeaways from IPC APEX EXPO: Get a firsthand look at the top trends and insights from IPC APEX EXPO 2023 with my annual "Top Ten Takeaways" list. This year's conference showcased a renewed focus on sustainability and advanced packaging and featured an EMS leadership summit that brought together top industry leaders. We also welcomed a new wave of young attendees who added fresh perspectives and energy to the event. Check out the full article in I-Connect007's Show and Tell issue and let us know if you have any takeaways yourself. We look forward to seeing you in Anaheim, CA in 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 an 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: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently 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 questions before comments close on March 27. IPC Contact: Suhani Chitalia.
EUROPEAN UNION
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.
EU Parliament Addresses Entire Electronics Ecosystem in EU Chips Act: The European Parliament recently took important steps toward supporting 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.
TRADE AND SUPPLY CHAIN
IPC Report Shows Solid Industry Performance Despite Expected Rising Costs: The electronics industry is performing well, although manufacturers expect to see increased costs of labor, materials, and freight over the next six months, according to IPC’s February Global Sentiment Survey. Meanwhile, manufacturers anticipate that declining freight costs will be a source of significant cost savings in 2023. However, the report showed that profit margins are expected to decline at a significantly higher rate in the Asia-Pacific region compared to North America. Let us know if you have any questions. IPC Contact: Shawn DuBravac.
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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“One of the clearest messages a manager can share to demonstrate their investment in the team is the continued development of their skills.” IPC President and CEO John W. Mitchell shared insight on hiring and keeping top talent in the latest issue of Total Retail. |
Wondering just how exciting it was to attend IPC APEX EXPO 2023? Or maybe you want to relive your favorite moments? I-Connect007 recently published their in-depth “Show and Tell” issue. At just under 200 pages, it’s the next best thing to being there. Read and enjoy! |
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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