I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Many times these introductions to the Friday Top 5 are light-hearted. This week, however, my comments are a little more considered, more thoughtful. There was big news throughout the week on a global economic scale. Everything is moving so fast it’s hard to follow. I sat in on a webinar about the U.S. tariff changes announced on April 2, and even the policy wonks, whose life’s purpose is to be expert in these things, couldn’t keep up. One speaker was checking government information websites, and listening to the news on the television even as she gave her update.

That’s not to imply that all is “doom and gloom,” but simply to point out how quickly things are moving. I rather feels like the shifting staircases at Hogwarts, actually. It’s all still there, just moved all around. So, even if you read nothing else industry-related this week, read these five. We’ll see you next week.

North American PCB Industry Sales Up 11.3% in February
Published March 31

“Another exceptionally strong month of bookings has pushed the PCB Book-to-Bill ratio to a new all-time high, underscoring the strong demand momentum currently in the industry,” said Shawn DuBravac, IPC’s chief economist. While the press release doesn’t discuss the why or the how, clearly there has been building momentum in North American PCB fabrication. Question is, what happens under the new tariffs? Does this demand continue to increase, or will there be other forces in the changes?

IPC APEX EXPO 2025: We’ve Got It Covered
Published: April 1

IPC APEX EXPO is the largest electronics manufacturing trade show in North America, and I-Connect007 is at the heart of it. Our coverage is found in one easy-to-find location at Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025 and you won’t want to miss any of our unique coverage. Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2025  is sponsored by Blackfox, Burkle North America, KYZEN, Mycronic, and Technica USA.

Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Tariffs and Supply Chains in U.S. Electronics Manufacturing
Published April 1

Chris Mitchell, VP of global government relations for IPC, discusses the group's concerns about tariffs on copper and their impact on U.S. electronics manufacturing. In light of the recent tariff changes announced by the U.S government, Mitchell’s perspective is especially valuable.

Statement from IPC on ‘Liberation Day’ Pressing for Domestic Manufacturing Strategy
Published April 3

In an open letter to the U.S administration, IPC issues a statement on the tariffs and their effect on the global economy. The letter reminds leadership that free trade continues to have a place even as the United States endeavours to rebuild a thriving manufacturing infrastructure.

IPC Releases March 2025 Global Sentiment of the Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain Report
Published April 2

This past March, electronics industry demand strengthened to its highest level in nearly a year; the ease of recruiting skilled talent improved to a record-high, indicating that hiring constraints are continuing to ease for many firms; and material costs have risen, reversing a multi-month decline and pointing to renewed input cost pressures that may warrant monitoring. All this is a snapshot prior to the April 2 tariff changes, and worth a deeper read.