Copper Tariffs Finalized, Sparking Industry Backlash: Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump’s 50 percent tariff on semi-finished copper products and copper-intensive derivatives went into effect. The Global Electronics Association issued a statement that says our industry is “disappointed” by the action, which “will hit U.S. printed circuit board (PCB) fabricators especially hard. … With no scalable domestic supply, U.S. electronics manufacturers will face higher costs, delay investments, and potentially even cut jobs. … This move directly undercuts President Trump’s goal of rebuilding American manufacturing and promoting American exports in strategic sectors.” 

Also, in a recent meeting with White House officials, the Global Electronics Association urged policymakers to exempt electronics-grade copper inputs, and we presented the results of our survey of U.S. board fabricators and EMS firms on the potential impacts. Check out this Industry Intelligence Brief from the Global Electronics Association for the complete analysis. Companies should assess their exposure and consider strategies including supply diversification, increased recycling, and potential material substitutions.  Contact: Chris Mitchell 

U.S. Imposes New Tariff on Indian Imports Amid Geopolitical Tensions: This week, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing an additional 25 percent tariff on certain imports from India, citing evidence that India is “directly or indirectly importing oil from the Russian Federation.” The new tariff will take effect on August 27, with exemptions for in-transit goods that are loaded prior to that date and entered for consumption before September 17. The action adds to the 25 percent reciprocal tariff imposed on Indian goods earlier this month and compounds existing Section 232 duties on steel, aluminum, and copper.

Electronics products are largely exempt, although companies are advised to confirm applicability based on product classification. The tariff announcement comes as U.S.-India bilateral trade talks remain ongoing, with both sides expressing cautious optimism despite rising tensions. The Global Electronics Association is closely monitoring these developments and will provide updates as implementation details become available. Contact: Gaurab Majumdar    

Southeast Asia Electronics Hubs Adjust to New U.S. Tariff Landscape: Electronics manufacturers in Southeast Asia are adjusting to evolving U.S. trade measures that took effect over the past two weeks. As reported by Vietnam Economic Times, the United States has officially lowered tariffs on Vietnamese imports to 20 percent under a new bilateral agreement announced this week. The deal includes provisions aimed at reducing transshipment of goods from third countries and allows the U.S. to impose a 40 percent tariff on any items found to be rerouted through Vietnam to avoid duties. The agreement is expected to preserve market access for Vietnamese electronics exporters while adding compliance scrutiny.

Meanwhile, The Nation Thailand reports that Thai officials are voicing concern over broader U.S. tariff changes and are seeking exemptions for key exports, including electronics components. According to Thai Commerce Ministry officials cited in the article, the country is at risk of losing competitiveness in sectors like printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) and semiconductors if higher U.S. duties are extended beyond current levels. Talks between U.S. and Thai trade officials are ongoing. The Global Electronics Association continues to track tariff policy developments across Southeast Asia, recognizing the region’s growing role as a production base for semiconductors, PCBs, and other critical inputs. Contact: Gaurab Majumdar    

European Commission Opens Consultation on Circular Economy Act: The European Commission has officially launched its public consultation and call-for-evidence for the forthcoming Circular Economy Act, expected in late 2026. Released on August 1, the initiative marks one of the EU’s most comprehensive sustainability efforts to date and will remain open through November 6, 2025. The consultation includes roughly 30 questions, addressing challenges in e-waste management, barriers to circular business models, supply and demand for secondary raw materials, and strategies to scale circular processes across the Single Market. The Global Electronics Association is coordinating feedback on behalf of its members and strongly encourages participation. This is a key opportunity to shape a smarter, more supportive framework for circular innovation, investment, and simplified cross-border compliance. Contact: Diana Radovan    

John Mitchell shares his recent interview with Nasdaq.

The Global Electronics Association discusses U.S. Mexico trade talks.