Dear IPC Members: The electronics industry is a key driver of the global economy, and it's important that governments recognize its strategic importance by providing a favorable policy framework.

As always, here’s your weekly five-minute update on current government policy actions that may affect your business. Please let us know if you have any government-related questions or concerns.

All the best,

Chris Mitchell
Vice President, Global Government Relations

The Headlines at a Glance: 

TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK 

• IPC Praises U.S. Prioritization of Domestic PCBs and IC Substrates

QUOTE OF THE WEEK 

• IPC’s John W. Mitchell Applauds U.S./Canada Partnership to Strengthen Advanced Packaging

IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU 

• How Can Government Help or Hurt You in 2023?

ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH

• IPC Shares Industry Input on EPA’s Proposed PFAS Rule
• IPC Supports Calls for Harmonized Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence

EUROPEAN UNION

• New White Paper Highlights Importance of European PCB and Advanced Packaging Supply Chains

TRADE AND SUPPLY CHAIN

• CHIPS Act Success Hinges on Establishment of IC Substrate Pilot Facility
• Global Banking Crisis Signals Economic Volatility and Signs of Recession

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

IPC Praises U.S. Prioritization of Domestic PCBs and IC Substrates: IPC welcomed U.S. President Joe Biden's "presidential determination" prioritizing the domestic development of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and advanced packaging — including IC substrates — under Title III of the Defense Production Act (DPA). IPC and its allies have been calling on President Biden to address urgent industrial base vulnerabilities, and this move is another step toward securing the domestic supply of critical electronic components; moving beyond a silicon-only mindset; and rebuilding the wider U.S. electronics manufacturing industry. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“The U.S. and Canada must invest in and support the growth of the electronics manufacturing ecosystem, including printed circuit boards (PCBs), IC substrates, and semiconductor assembly. Neglecting a ‘silicon-to-systems' approach would undercut the promise of the CHIPS Act and the region’s long-term leadership in innovation.” – IPC President and CEO John W. Mitchell applauded the U.S./Canada announcement on strengthening North American electronics manufacturing, including advanced packaging.

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

IPC Shares Industry Input on EPA’s Proposed PFAS Rule: IPC, Consumer Technology Association (CTA), and Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), jointly submitted comments on EPA's proposed rule that would require companies to submit significant new uses of approximately 330 per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) currently listed as “inactive.” The comments emphasized the need to maintain the exemption for articles and highlighted the challenges of collecting data on specific PFAS across the supply chain. Check out IPC’s new blog post for more information. IPC Contact: Suhani Chitalia.

IPC Supports Calls for Harmonized Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence: IPC recently signed a letter alongside other European associations urging the European Union to establish a level playing field in corporate due diligence regarding human rights and environmental impacts assessments across the bloc. IPC welcomes the involvement of all industries in the evolution of the proposed legislation and encourages them to share their perspectives. Please let us know if you have any questions. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

EUROPEAN UNION

New White Paper Highlights Importance of European PCB and Advanced Packaging Supply Chains: Eurospace, the trade association of the European Space Industry, recently released a white paper that impressed the importance of printed circuit board (PCB) and advanced packaging supply chains in Europe. The white paper highlighted vulnerabilities in the European PCB supply chain that affect a broad range of industrial sectors — including consumer electronics and defense — and also addressed to the need for a resilient and competitive EEE components supply chain in Europe. IPC Contact: Alison James.

TRADE AND SUPPLY CHAIN

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. 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.

Global Banking Crisis Signals Economic Volatility and Signs of Recession: IPC's March Economic Outlook report warned of economic volatility and signs of recession, citing the global banking crisis as a significant factor affecting companies' ability to expand and hire new employees, with tightening credit conditions hitting small firms the hardest. While the U.S. job market remains strong, Europe's economic growth is flat with manufacturing production stabilizing. Please let us know if you have any questions. IPC Contact: Shawn DuBravac.

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA

IPC’s quarterly Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) Forum shared updates on IPC’s Sustainability for Electronics Initiative as well as in-depth discussions on several key policy topics including the EU REACH Restriction proposal on per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the ecodesign for sustainable products regulation, and more. Please contact IPC Manager of Environmental Regulatory Affairs Suhani Chitalia if you’d like to participate in our next call!		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 labor challenges might be easing. Moreover, companies expect to raise prices in 2023, indicating their confidence in the market.

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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