Global PCB Connections: Rigid-flex and Flexible PCBs—The Backbone of Modern Electronics
Flexible Thinking: The Key to a Successful Flex Circuit Design Transfer
Happy’s Tech Talk #29: Bend-to-Install Semi-flex FR-4
The Resurgence of European PCB Manufacturing: A Strategic Advantage
February 20, 2025 | Jordan Labbe, ICAPE GroupEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The global electronics landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. Driven by a confluence of factors, including geopolitical instability, supply chain disruptions, and a growing emphasis on agility and localized production, a renewed focus on European PCB manufacturing is emerging. This resurgence is not merely a trend; it represents a strategic advantage for companies seeking to navigate the complexities of the modern electronics market with multiple sourcing options, outside of China. We are an example of this. With more than 80 factory partners in Asia and three owned factories in Europe and South Africa, ICAPE Group demonstrated the efficiency of this sourcing strategy.
The European PCB industry has undergone a significant shift in recent decades. The number of European manufacturers has dropped from 555 to around 180, with the top 20 players now holding a dominant 60% market share. While the overall market share has decreased—from 16% in 2000 to 2.3% in 2022, according to the EIPC (European Institute for Printed Circuits)—there is a clear trend toward consolidation.
Undeniably, Asian manufacturers currently hold a significant advantage in the global PCB market. Their competitive edge stems from a confluence of factors, including access to advanced technologies, highly competitive pricing, and the ability to deliver high-quality PCBs within shorter lead times. This combination has resulted in Asian manufacturers dominating global PCB production volumes. However, the COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in overly extended global supply chains. The heavy reliance on distant manufacturing hubs, primarily concentrated in Asia, proved problematic, leading to significant delays and disruptions. Moreover, rising transportation costs, import duties, and currency fluctuations eroded profit margins, adding further strain to an already challenging operating environment.
To continue reading this article, which originally published in the February 2025 SMT007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Trump Copper Tariffs Spark Concern
07/10/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamPresident Donald Trump stated on July 8 that he plans to impose a 50% tariff on copper imports, sparking concern in a global industry whose output is critical to electric vehicles, military hardware, semiconductors, and a wide range of consumer goods. According to Yahoo Finance, copper futures climbed over 2% following tariff confirmation.
Seeing a Future in Mexico
07/09/2025 | Michelle Te, I-Connect007The Global Electronics Association (formerly known as IPC) has been instrumental in fostering a partnership with Guanajuato, a state north of Mexico City with 12 industrial clusters and close to 150 companies involved in electronics. This past spring, Alejandro Hernández, the undersecretary for investment promotion in Guanajuato, attended IPC APEX EXPO 2025 at the invitation of IPC Mexico Director Lorena Villanueva, where he met with several companies to discuss the opportunities available in Mexico. He is inviting electronics-related companies seeking long-term investment in a centrally located area with access to highways, railways, and ports.
Webinar Review: A Global Trade and Economy in Flux
07/09/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamIn a July 8 webinar, Global Electronics Association Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac provided a comprehensive analysis of the evolving international trade environment, its implications for inflation, monetary policy, and labor dynamics, and a sober assessment of market valuations. In “Navigating a Shifting Landscape” DuBravac painted a picture of a global economy in flux, where shifting trade alliances and tariff structures are redrawing the supply chain map and influencing the broader economic landscape, while also conveying an overall bullish market outlook.
GlobalLogic, Volvo Cars Deepen Collaboration to Engineer the Future of Mobility
07/09/2025 | GlobalLogicGlobalLogic Inc., a Hitachi Group Company and leader in digital engineering, has announced it has been selected in Volvo Cars’ partnership ecosystem as one of the strategic partners within engineering services globally.
GlobalFoundries to Acquire MIPS to Accelerate AI and Compute Capabilities
07/09/2025 | GlobalFoundriesGlobalFoundries announced a definitive agreement to acquire MIPS, a leading supplier of AI and processor IP. This strategic acquisition will expand GF’s portfolio of customizable IP offerings, allowing it to further differentiate its process technologies with IP and software capabilities.