– Chris Mitchell, IPC Vice President of Global Government Relations, in an interview at IPC APEX EXPO 2025 in Anaheim, California  

IPC Introduces New Director of Industry Intelligence: The latest edition of IPC Community magazine features a timely interview between IPC Vice President of Global Government Relations Chris Mitchell and IPC’s new Director of Industry Intelligence, Thiago Guimarães. In the Q&A, Thiago shares his vision for how data-driven insights can sharpen IPC’s global advocacy and help the industry respond more effectively to shifting geopolitical and economic forces. With his background in policy and market analysis, Thiago is set to be a major asset in advancing IPC’s mission to inform policymakers and strengthen the voice of electronics manufacturing worldwide. Please follow Thiago on LinkedIn and let him know if you have any insights or ideas to share. IPC Contact: Thiago Guimaraes.

In Case You Missed It: Recent Reading Picks from Chris Mitchell: In the latest IPC Global Insights newsletter, IPC Vice President of Global Government Relations Chris Mitchell shared three recent articles that reflect the fast-evolving political and policy landscape, and why it matters for our industry. A Washington Post article from last weekend examines European concerns over continued reliance on U.S. military technology and efforts to expand domestic sourcing of defense technologies. An article in Foreign Affairs critiques the rationale behind President Trump’s tariffs, with great data and clear explanations. The third is a Substack post by entrepreneur Steven Glinert on improving the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act. While I don’t agree with all his policy recommendations, I do believe the time is ripe for improvements to the Chips Act, including greater government support for the rest of the electronics ecosystem which chips need to function. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell.

Two Years After Biden Action on Defense Electronics, Will Trump Follow Through? A new IPC Blog by Richard Cappetto notes that Thursday, March 27, was the two-year anniversary of Presidential Determination 2023-06, which invoked the Defense Production Act (DPA) to catalyze U.S. investment in printed circuit board (PCB) and advanced packaging manufacturing. However, that Biden action stemmed from President Trump’s 2017 Executive Order 13806, which launched a comprehensive assessment of the U.S. defense industrial base. Cappetto says there has been some progress on PCBs in the years since, but “significant risks threaten to derail progress. … The U.S. warfighter needs sustained, strategic investment not just in semiconductors, but in the entire ecosystem of electronics technologies.” Electronics Weekly also covered the story. IPC Contact: Richard Cappetto   

Defense Electronics Secure Funding in U.S. Federal Budget: Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump signed the U.S. government’s final spending bill for FY25, including $463.4 million for Defense Production Act (DPA) purchases, some of which may benefit U.S. printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing. Following this, IPC President and CEO Dr. John W. Mitchell said in a statement, “IPC is encouraged by this outcome, but there is more short-term and long-term work to be done to ensure the United States rebuilds its weakened defense electronics industrial base.”  The final funding level for DPA purchases in FY25 is essentially the same as in FY24, which was a marked improvement from the year before. IPC worked throughout 2024 to educate lawmakers on this issue and maintain or build on that funding level. The legislation requires the Defense Department to submit a plan for DPA spending within 45 days, and IPC is working to ensure PCBs and related technologies are included. IPC Contact: Richard Cappetto.  

IPC Advocates for Industry at APEX EXPO: Last week at IPC’s APEX EXPO 2025 in Anaheim, IPC advanced its advocacy efforts through high-level engagement across several events. IPC’s Richard Cappetto briefed executives at the EMS Leadership Summit and strategized with the Printed Circuit Board Association of America on strengthening U.S. PCB manufacturing. Chris Mitchell spoke with Fierce Electronics about the potential impact of proposed U.S. copper tariffs, emphasizing IPC’s efforts to work with the administration to avoid supply chain disruptions. These conversations reinforced the importance of industry collaboration as key policy decisions approach.

At an interactive session co-hosted by the U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics (USPAE) and IPC, industry leaders tackled vulnerabilities in defense electronics, including technology gaps, single-source risks, and the need for coordinated advocacy. USPAE Executive Director Jim Will emphasized the urgent need to shore up the defense electronics industrial base in light of emerging national security priorities. The discussion will inform a forthcoming statement of industry priorities to drive action and align policy with critical manufacturing needs. Please contact Jim Will if you’re interested in providing input. IPC Contact: Chris Mitchell  and Jim Will.

Mexico’s E-Mobility Momentum Builds Opportunity for Industry and Innovation: Mexico is positioning itself as a key player in electric mobility (e-mobility), with major implications for the global electronics manufacturing industry. General Motors and NVIDIA are using AI-powered digital twins to modernize automotive production in Mexico. Meanwhile, Yadea’s $80 million investment in a new electric motorcycle plant will expand local supply chains and create new demand for components like PCBs, sensors, and battery systems. At the same time, student-led EV projects backed by the State Training Institute (IECA) show strong momentum in workforce development and innovation. These developments highlight the importance of shaping policy environments that support high-tech investment, education, and secure supply chains in Mexico. IPC continues to track Mexico’s growing role and urges industry and policymakers to engage. IPC Contact: Lorena Villanueva. 

Silicon Valley and Global Firms Fuel Mexico’s Electronics Growth: Momentum continues to build in Mexico’s electronics manufacturing sector, with recent developments reinforcing its strategic importance to North American supply chains. Last week, Federal Electronics announced that they are expanding operations in Hermosillo, Sonora, with a new 80,000+ sq. ft. facility, creating new supply chain and partnership opportunities. Meanwhile, Silicon Valley giants Flex and Jabil shared plans to invest approximately $890 million in Jalisco in 2025, reinforcing the state’s status as a growing tech hub. With Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Mexico’s electronics sector surpassing $7.8 billion over the past two decades, the country’s strategic location and business-friendly environment continue to attract global manufacturers. IPC Contact: Lorena Villanueva. 

EU Advances Defense Strategy as IPC Highlights Gaps: Last week, the European Commission adopted a White Paper on the future of European defense, along with the ReArm Europe plan to strengthen defense readiness by 2030. Following this, IPC has released a new report, "Securing the Electronics Value Chain: The Blind Spot in the European Union’s Industrial Defence Strategy?" The report urges EU policymakers to prioritize electronics in defense industrial policies to ensure a resilient and competitive supply chain. This issue is critical for IPC and its members, as a strong European defense electronics ecosystem is essential for supply chain security, innovation, and long-term industry growth. IPC Contact: Alison James. 

European Commission Signals an EU Chips Act 2.0: Plans to develop follow-up legislation to the European Chips Act were confirmed this week by the European Commission’s technology policy chief, Henna Virkkunen. A growing chorus of industry groups and lawmakers are urging the European Commission to launch a “Chips Act 2.0” to expand support across the full semiconductor supply chain, not just manufacturing, but also chip design, materials, and equipment. Building on the original €43 billion EU Chips Act of 2023, the proposed expansion comes amid mounting pressure to stay competitive with U.S. and Chinese subsidies. Last week, nine EU member states, including France, Germany, and the Netherlands also signaled support for accelerating semiconductor initiatives. IPC continues to advocate for a full value chain approach and policies that strengthen a resilient, globally integrated electronics manufacturing ecosystem. IPC Contact: Alison James. 

Southeast Asia Ramps Up Chips Game with Global Partnerships: Nations in Southeast Asia continue to invest in electronics manufacturing, with Malaysia and India strengthening semiconductor ties and Vietnam advancing AI and chip development. Malaysia seeks deeper collaboration with India to enhance supply chains and leverage its expertise in assembly and testing. Meanwhile, Vietnam is prioritizing technological innovation, calling on global partners to support its AI and semiconductor sectors and planning to train 100,000 engineers. These efforts demonstrate the region’s growing role in the global electronics industry. In support of these developments, IPC has bolstered its advocacy and industry engagement efforts in Southeast Asia. IPC's Southeast Asia team is actively working to advocate for the electronics industry across the region. IPC Contact: Arpita Das.

Electronics Industry Doubles Down on Sustainability: At last week’s IPC APEX EXPO, IPC officially launched Evolve, its newly rebranded and expanded sustainability initiative aimed at helping electronics manufacturers turn environmental goals into practical action. The launch coincided with the release of a new report, which revealed that nearly 60 percent of electronics executives expect to ramp up their sustainability efforts in the coming year. However, the report also underscores persistent challenges, including regulatory uncertainty, budget pressures, and operational complexity. Evolve builds on years of IPC sustainability leadership and will serve as a central hub for standards, data, and best practices. Among the new tools being rolled out in 2025 are a Guide to Safer Alternatives in Electronics Manufacturing, a Double Materiality Assessment Toolkit, a Scope 3 greenhouse gas reporting summary, and a circularity insights compendium. To learn more, check out the article on Trellis.net by IPC President and CEO John W. Mitchell; the IPC Blog by IPC Lead Sustainability Strategist Kelly Scanlon; the new IPC research report; and the resources available at ipc.org/evolve. IPC Contact: Kelly Scanlon.        

Electronics manufacturers are at the heart of Europe’s industrial engine. Follow IPC’s Government Relations in Europe LinkedIn page for frequent updates on IPC advocacy efforts in Europe.

IPC’s Gaurab Majumdar met with members of World Circuits Council (WECC) at IPC APEX EXPO 2025 to discuss topics such as global trade and economic affairs.