New Report on Tariffs and Europe’s Electronics Industry: The Global Electronics Association published a new report this week on the impacts of the recently concluded U.S.-EU tariff agreement. Beginning August 1, most European electronics exports to the United States are subject to a unified 15 percent tariff, which the paper estimates will add billions in annual duties. The tariffs also will raise costs for U.S. importers and consumers while disadvantaging European producers relative to competitors in Mexico and Asia. Beyond the direct cost effects, the analysis highlights how this agreement reflects a broader departure from the World Trade Organization’s “Most Favored Nation” principle, which requires WTO members to extend the same trade advantages to all nations with MFN status, replacing it with a more fragmented global trade landscape. The pact compounds several existing challenges for Europe’s electronics industry, including high energy costs, regulatory burdens, and supply chain vulnerabilities, and it underscores the need for a coordinated European strategy across the electronics value chain. Contact: Alison James  

European Commission Launches Chips Act Consultation: The European Commission recently opened a public consultation and call for evidence for a review of the European Chips Act. The process aims to assess whether the Act remains fit for purpose amid shifting market conditions, rapid technological advances, and evolving geopolitical realities. It also seeks input on how the framework could be better adapted to support Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem in the years ahead. The consultation will be open until November 28. The Global Electronics Association will submit a response reflecting feedback from the European ecosystem and our Industry Call to Action for a resilient electronics sector. Contact: Alison James  

Thailand Seeks to Expand Semiconductor Role with U.S. Roadshow: Thailand is stepping up efforts to move up the electronics value chain. According to The Nation Thailand, the country’s Board of Investment (BOI) and Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation held a U.S. roadshow this month to promote upstream semiconductor investment. The delegation met with major global chip companies including Intel, NXP, and Synopsys, while also signing a memorandum of understanding with Arizona State University to train 80,000 semiconductor professionals within five years. Officials said the initiative is part of Thailand’s long-term plan to attract 500 billion baht (US$13.6 billion) in foreign direct investment and establish a more comprehensive domestic semiconductor ecosystem. For electronics manufacturers, these efforts highlight the broader regional competition to secure new chip investment, workforce development, and supply chain integration. Contact: Gaurab Majumdar       

Vietnam Sees Surge in Manufacturing Investment with Electronics at the Forefront: Vietnam’s manufacturing sector continues to dominate foreign investment flows, with electronics playing a central role. According to Vietnam News, the industry has attracted a cumulative US$320.7 billion in foreign capital, equal to more than 61 percent of the country’s total registered investment. In August 2025 alone, foreign-invested projects in the sector totaled US$1.6 billion, led by a US$300 million smartphone manufacturing project in Bắc Ninh and a US$207 million transformer production facility in Hải Phòng. Additional expansions, including a US$200 million investment increase in synthetic fiber production by Hong Kong–based Hailide Fibers, further underscore the sector’s momentum. Experts note that Vietnam’s ability to draw large-scale, high-tech projects in electronics and semiconductors reflects its growing role as a key link in global supply chains. At the same time, policymakers caution that heavy reliance on electronics manufacturing could expose the economy to risks, and they are considering reforms in infrastructure, workforce development, and administrative processes to sustain long-term competitiveness. Contact: Gaurab Majumdar       

Mexico Proposes Tariffs on Asian Electronics Imports: Last week, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum proposed new tariffs on 1,371 product categories from countries that do not have free trade agreements with Mexico, including China. According to Mexico News Daily, the proposed tariffs would range from 10 percent to 50 percent and cover inputs such as plastics, auto parts, and electronics components. At the same time, Mexico is also preparing to raise tariffs on imported vehicles from China and other Asian nations, with rates increasing from 20 percent to as high as 50 percent, as reported by Transport Topics. 

For electronics manufacturing, the measures could drive up costs for imports of circuit boards, connectors, and other critical parts used in assembly. The policy could incentivize nearshoring of production within North America, while also creating ripple effects in global supply chains as companies reassess sourcing and investment strategies. The Global Electronics Association is monitoring the situation and will engage with members on potential impacts to the electronics ecosystem. Contact: Lorena Villanueva 

Chile Advances National Critical Minerals Strategy: The Global Electronics Association recently learned that the Government of Chile has completed the drafting stage of its first National Critical Minerals Strategy, which will cover rare earth minerals among other resources. A public consultation on the draft is expected to begin this month. Chile has the world's largest reserves of copper, lithium and rhenium, as well as vast reserves of boron, molybdenum, silver, and potassium as Bnamericas reported in April in an overview of the minerals strategy review. All of these minerals are used to various extents in electronics products. The Global Electronics Association will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on this emerging policy.  Contact: Diana Radovan 

Brazil Launches Sustainable Taxonomy Framework: On August 25, Brazil approved the final technical handbooks for its Sustainable Taxonomy (TSB), a framework that sets legal parameters for which activities can be classified as “sustainable.” According to a new blog from the Global Electronics Association, the first edition spans eight sectors, including manufacturing, extractives, energy, water and waste management, construction, transport, and telecommunications. Official publication of the handbooks is expected in September, with phased implementation starting with large firms and financial institutions. 

Brazil’s approach stands out globally for several reasons. It prioritizes both climate change mitigation and adaptation; includes social dimensions such as gender and race; and is the first taxonomy to cover mining and extractive industries, preceding even the EU. For electronics manufacturers, alignment with the taxonomy may become increasingly important as financing and investment decisions begin to reference these criteria. Future updates are expected to extend coverage to critical minerals, vehicles, the bioeconomy, and circular economy activities. Contact: Diana Radovan 

U.S. EPA Opens Consultation on D4 Risk under TSCA: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a draft risk evaluation for D4 (octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). According to the agency, the preliminary findings indicate that D4 poses an unreasonable risk to human health and the environment under certain conditions of use. D4, a cyclic silicone compound, is widely used in electronics, including in semiconductor manufacturing, where it often remains embedded in components and does not emit during use. The substance is already classified as a “substance of very high concern” (SVHC) by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and is banned in EU personal care products due to persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. EPA will accept public comments on the draft evaluation through November 17  via this docket, and it will convene a series of public meetings in the coming months. The Global Electronics Association is gathering member input to help shape industry feedback on the evaluation. Contact: Diana Radovan      

U.S. EPA Advances Proposal To Ease PFAS Reporting Mandates: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted sent a proposal for review that would ease PFAS reporting requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will review the proposal, which arose after a coalition of chemical companies argued the measure fails to align with the best reading of the toxics law. The rule currently requires companies to submit information about PFAS used in any year from 2011 until 2022. The OMB review typically takes 90 days. The Global Electronics Association will continue to monitor this development and keep members informed. Contact: Diana Radovan

Association Joins Industry Call on U.S. Congress to Revise TSCA: The Global Electronics Association joined more than 100 industry associations in calling on Congress to  implement pragmatic changes to the TSCA framework. The letter emphasizes the need for a regulatory system that balances human health and environmental protection with the supply chain and innovation requirements of U.S. manufacturers. Read more about it here. Contact: Diana Radovan      

European Chemicals Agency Provides Updates on PFAS Plans: The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published an updated PFAS Restriction Background Document (not to be seen as final currently), Scientific Evaluation Status, and a process update with timelines. A public 2-month consultation regarding the SEAC (the Socio-Economic Committee of ECHA) draft opinion is expected in spring in a questionnaire format, for which the Association will consolidate member feedback. To support consultation preparation, ECHA will hold an online information session on 30 October 2025. Additionally, ECHA will confirm the exact starting date of the consultation in March 2026. The Association will have a face-to-face informal meeting with SEAC in Brussels in mid-October. Members are invited to send their questions for the SEAC to our team by 24 September 2025 EOD. Members are encouraged to already start considering, ahead of the consultation window: potential impacts of restricting PFAS in the electronics sector (e.g., repercussions of non-use scenarios such as no impact, closure of operations, relocation, or substitution of PFAS); availability and feasibility of alternatives; missed uses and derogations in the current draft background document, if relevant to socio-economic aspects. Contact: Diana Radovan

Power On: Climate & Circularity in Electronics – Climate Week NYC: On September 24, the Global Electronics Association will host its first-ever Climate Week NYC event. You can register for the event panel here or reserve your lunch spot here. The program includes a networking lunch followed by a panel discussion featuring sustainability leaders from Jabil, Flex, Panasonic, and the Association. The conversation will focus on practical circularity challenges and innovations that drive efficiency and regulatory compliance. The event will take place at Chelsea Walls in partnership with Anthesis Group. Contact: Kelly Scanlon

Global Electronics Association President and CEO John W. Mitchell discusses AI.

Chris Mitchell shares from IPC Day in Paris.