– IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac in a Yahoo! Finance Live interview about the latest round of U.S. tariffs.   

IPC Introduces New Director of Industry Intelligence: In the recently released edition of IPC Community magazine, there was 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. 

IPC Files Comments Opposing U.S. Copper Tariffs: IPC is concerned that the imposition of U.S. tariffs on copper and derivative products would interfere with the industry’s recent re-shoring trend, according to comments filed with the U.S. Department of Commerce in connection with that agency’s investigation of copper imports. IPC noted that copper is widely used across the electronics value chain, and tariffs would raise costs on domestic manufacturers, who depend on many specialty products like copper foils that are only available from foreign sources. “Every dollar spent on higher material costs is a dollar not invested in equipment, facilities, automation, or workforce development,” IPC says. IPC Contact: Richard Cappetto.

AI Depends on Electronics, IPC Tells White House: Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump directed newly confirmed White House Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios to develop a new national strategy to secure U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) and other critical technologies. In comments submitted to the Administration, IPC reiterated its position that U.S. leadership in AI depends not only on software and data but also on a strong domestic electronics manufacturing base. Specifically, AI innovation requires secure, advanced hardware, including IC substrates, printed circuit boards (PCBs), high-bandwidth memory, and advanced packaging. IPC urged the government to invest in five key areas: IC substrate fabrication; AI component assembly and testing; high-bandwidth manufacturing; PCB/HDI production; and PCB assembly. IPC also recommended tax incentives and stronger demand signals to bolster U.S. manufacturing. Do you have any AI questions or insights?  IPC Contact: Richard Cappetto.

Two Years After Biden Action on Defense Electronics, Will Trump Follow Through? In a recently released IPC Blog by Richard Cappetto, he noted 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.    

Mexico’s E-Mobility Momentum Builds Opportunity for Industry: Over the past year, Mexico has established itself as an emerging leader in electric mobility (e-mobility), with far-reaching implications for the global electronics manufacturing landscape. General Motors and NVIDIA have leveraged AI-driven digital twin technology to modernize automotive production in Mexico, while Yadea announced an $80 million investment in a new electric motorcycle plant, driving demand for PCBs, sensors, and battery systems. Student-led EV initiatives, supported by the State Training Institute (IECA), further demonstrate the country’s growing emphasis on workforce development and homegrown innovation. Together, these developments underscore the need for policy environments that promote high-tech investment, skills training, and resilient supply chains in Mexico and everywhere. IPC continues to track Mexico’s growing role and urges closer industry-government engagement. IPC Contact: Lorena Villanueva.    

India Approves Investment Plan for Electronics Components: India’s Union Cabinet on Friday approved the “much-awaited” Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for electronics component manufacturing with an outlay of Rs 22,919 crore ($2.6 billion). The scheme will cover components like display module sub-assemblies; electro-mechanicals for electronic applications; multi-layer printed circuit boards (PCBs); enclosures for mobile, IT hardware products and related devices; and lithium-ion cells for digital applications, the Economic Times reports. “We need to come out of import substitution mindset and start manufacturing for us for the rest of the world,” Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said at a press conference in New Delhi (Outlook Business, Mar. 28). IPC Contact: Arpita Das.

European Institutions Approve Fast-Track Relief on CSRD, CS3D Timelines: As called for by IPC and other industry associations, the Council of Europe and the European Parliament have postponed the entry into application of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) and specific provisions of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). In a joint industry statement, the groups had requested the move and said the “stop-the-clock” proposal “would provide adequate time to adopt the comprehensive changes, hold holistic discussions and stakeholder consultations, and allow for the thorough development of guidance.” For further details, refer to the joint industry statement. IPC Contact: Diana Radovan.

European Companies Invited to Share Input on CSRD Impact: A new, independent survey has been launched to gather insights from European companies affected by the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Developed by a team of professors from leading European business schools and ESG experts coordinated by WeAreEurope, the survey aims to capture how CSRD is influencing corporate sustainability strategies and reporting efforts. The results will be analyzed and published as part of an academic research project, providing policymakers and stakeholders with neutral, data-driven insights. If your company is impacted by CSRD, IPC encourages you to participate and share your perspective. The survey takes approximately eight minutes to complete and can be accessed here. IPC Contact: Diana Radovan.

IPC’s Stat of the week: According to IPC’s March 2025 Current Sentiment of the Global Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain report, electronics manufacturers are responding to tariff uncertainty in various ways, including investing in automation, renegotiating supplier contracts, and hiring freezes, indicating growing caution around workforce expansion.

Upcoming economic webinar with Shawn DuBravac: How can electronics industry members navigate the turbulent economic times ahead? Because new tariffs, inflationary pressures, and weakening labor market data will cloud the economic outlook, we asked IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac, PhD, CFA to host a free live webinar to offer insights into the risks, opportunities, and evolving dynamics shaping the global economic landscape. Join us on Apr 28, 2:00-3:00 pm CDT for “Crosswinds & Crises: Navigating the Economic Crossroads of 2025.