 Dear IPC Members,
In our top news this week, we’re asking you to help us gain support for $45 million for PCB manufacturing in the U.S. defense budget for Fiscal Year 2025. Without House approval, this critical funding could be lost. Learn more and send a message to your U.S. Representative now.
In other news, we’re excited to share our latest IPC Explainer video, which explains “advanced packaging” in plain English for a non-technical audience. Check it out on LinkedIn and share it with your networks.
For our friends in Europe, I encourage you to read the new op-ed in Euractiv by Sanjay Huprikar, IPC’s President of Europe and South Asia Operations, which calls a recent report on European competitiveness a “wake-up call” on the need to shore up the EU’s electronics manufacturing sector. I echoed these sentiments in an IPC Blog that warns Europe and the U.S. are focusing too narrowly on semiconductors while neglecting the broader industrial base that brings chips to life.
As always, feel free to reach out to the IPC Government Relations Team with any questions or feedback.
Best regards, |
Chris Mitchell
Vice President, Global Government Relations
The Headlines at a Glance:
TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK
- Action Alert! Help Secure U.S. Defense Electronics Funding for Fiscal Year 2025
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
- Draghi Report: A Wake-Up Call for the EU Electronics Manufacturing Industry
ADVOCACY AND YOU
- New IPC Video Explains Advanced Packaging for Non-Technical Audience
- Become an IPC Workforce Champion and Inspire the Next Generation
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
- U.S. Defense Electronics Group Gathers to Find New Opportunities
EUROPEAN UNION
- IPC Urges EU Ministers to Prioritize Electronics Manufacturing Competitiveness
- EC President Proposes New “Technological Sovereignty” Commissioner
OTHER HEADLINES IN THE NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS
- IPC Day Italy: Shaping the Electronics of the Future – Maranello, Italy (October 3)
- IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Anaheim, California (March 15-20)
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US
TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK
Action Alert! Help IPC Secure U.S. Defense Electronics Funding: IPC is calling on you to take immediate action to support legislation that strengthens U.S. defense electronics manufacturing. As Congress finalizes government funding for Fiscal Year 2025, the Senate’s version includes $45 million for printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing under the Defense Production Act (DPA) account. However, unless the House follows suit, this funding could drop to zero, leaving the U.S. dependent on non-domestic sources of the PCBs that power all defense electronics. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) is circulating a letter that urges House appropriators to approve this funding. To support these efforts, click this link to send a message to your U.S. representative. It’ll only take a minute, but it will make a difference. Rich Cappetto.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“The Draghi report delivers a stark reality check on Europe’s semiconductor strategy... Europe’s share of electronics manufacturing has fallen significantly in the last two decades... If left unaddressed, Europe risks losing its position as an innovation powerhouse and a leader in sustainable industrialization.”
— Sanjay Huprikar, IPC President of Europe and South Asia Operations, in an op-ed published in Euractiv on the Draghi Report , which he calls “a wake-up call” for the EU electronics industry. IPC’s Chris Mitchell echoed these sentiments on the IPC Blog. |
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IPC ADVOCACY AND YOU
New IPC Video Explains Advanced Packaging for Non-Technical Audience: A new 90-second video by IPC explains the concept of “advanced packaging” and why it is so important to electronics manufacturing and the world. The video is part of IPC’s ongoing efforts to educate government leaders and policy influencers on the need for a “silicon to systems” industrial strategy, a more holistic approach that boosts all the sectors involved in electronics manufacturing, not just semiconductor chips. The video is being distributed and promoted via all of IPC’s channels, and we invite you to help us in that process. Be sure to “like” and reshare the video from IPC’s LinkedIn account. Then send the link to any colleagues who need to see it and encourage them to share it, too. IPC Contact: Michelle Mermelstein.
Become an IPC Workforce Champion and Inspire the Next Generation: Do you have a unique story to share about your career in electronics manufacturing? IPC is seeking Workforce Champions — individuals who have excelled in the industry through hard work, skill development, and overcoming challenges. Whether you’ve advanced through apprenticeships, earned certifications, or navigated non-traditional career paths, your journey can inspire others to pursue their own success in this dynamic field. As a Workforce Champion, you’ll have opportunities to share your story in a way that resonates with you, whether through speaking engagements, media interviews, or written content such as blogs and op-eds. By joining this network, you'll receive professional support, including speaker training and media preparation, and could even be considered for participation in industry events. Learn more on the IPC Blog; and complete this form to share your story now. IPC Contact: Michelle Mermelstein.
DEFENSE & SECURITY
U.S. Defense Electronics Group Gathers to Find New Opportunities: Last week, the U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics (USPAE), an IPC subsidiary, gathered for their annual alliance partner and government stakeholder meeting in Arlington, Virginia. With a theme of “Finding Opportunities,” attendees explored how industry and government can work together to improve electronics supply chain assurance and resiliency, particularly for U.S. defense systems and critical infrastructure. Industry leaders discussed their challenges and opportunities with representatives of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), NASA, large defense contractors, and others. Topics included how to enhance technology assurance standards; how to engage on defense market opportunities; and how to expand the skilled workforce to support defense electronics. Learn more on the USPAE website and contact Executive Director Jim Will for more information.
EUROPEAN UNION
IPC Urges EU Ministers to Prioritize Electronics Manufacturing Competitiveness: During last week’s meeting of the EU Competitiveness Council, IPC sent a letter to the Council President and key ministers, urging them to consider the recommendations outlined in our Industry Call to Action. With Europe’s electronics manufacturing sector facing a long-term decline, IPC stressed the need for a coordinated strategy to support electronics for critical industries such as defense and healthcare. The letter highlights that without intervention, Europe’s share of global electronics manufacturing could fall to 15% by 2035, weakening sectors like PCB production and advanced packaging. IPC calls for a renewed focus on strengthening Europe’s electronics manufacturing capabilities to ensure long-term industrial competitiveness. Read and help us boost the letter on LinkedIn. IPC Contact: Alison James.
EC President Proposes New “Technological Sovereignty” Commissioner: Recently reelected to serve a second term, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently announced to the European Parliament her proposed Commissioners-designate and structure for the next European Commission (2024-2029). Especially notable for the electronics industry is the nomination of Henna Virkkunen for Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy. This newly created role signals Europe’s increased focus on critical technologies in the upcoming mandate. IPC will remain engaged, continuing to advocate for a comprehensive silicon-to-systems industrial strategy as we share our Industry Call to Action. Learn more here and watch the President’s address to the European Parliament here. IPC Contact: Alison James.
UPCOMING EVENTS
IPC Day Italy: Shaping the Electronics of the Future: Ensuring Quality & Long-Term Reliability through Standards – Maranello, Italy (October 3) – Join IPC, Gestlabs, and Phoenix Contact at the Ferrari Museo in Maranello for an insightful day focused on ensuring the quality and long-term reliability of electronic devices through standards, with a special emphasis on sustainability in the automotive industry. Sponsored by TTI, NCAB, and JBC, this event offers the chance to discover the latest advancements in electronic assembly design and production, explore sustainable practices, and connect with Italian industry experts. Attendees will also enjoy table-top exhibitions, a VIP guided tour of the Ferrari Museo, and a networking lunch. IPC’s Diana Radovan, Sustainability Policy Director, will be presenting on sustainability in the electronics supply chain for the entire product lifecycle. Registration remains open, but space is limited.
IPC APEX EXPO 2025 – Anaheim, California, USA (March 15-20) – Discover the newest innovations and hear from the best minds in the electronics manufacturing industry. IPC APEX EXPO 2025 will be our industry’s largest event in North America, featuring a world-class trade show, professional development courses taught by industry experts, non-stop networking and more. Learn more here.
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
Share your workforce story with IPC! We are creating a network of individuals to build greater awareness of workforce opportunities in electronics manufacturing. We seek individuals who have overcome challenges, acquired new skills, or earned certifications to excel in their field. |
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“Unless an “ecosystem” approach is adopted, Europe will likely lose its alarmingly anemic market share in printed circuit board fabrication, electronics assembly, and advanced semiconductor packaging.” Chris Mitchell, IPC’s VP of global government relations, calls attention to the lack of focus on a silicon-to-systems strategy in the latest EU Competitiveness Report. |
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US
Meet the IPC GR Team: Whether it is engaging with policymakers in the Americas, the European Union, or Asia, 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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