-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueThe Growing Industry
In this issue of PCB007 Magazine, we talk with leading economic experts, advocacy specialists in Washington, D.C., and PCB company leadership to get a well-rounded picture of what’s happening in the industry today. Don’t miss it.
The Sustainability Issue
Sustainability is one of the most widely used terms in business today, especially for electronics and manufacturing but what does it mean to you? We explore the environmental, business, and economic impacts.
The Fabricator’s Guide to IPC APEX EXPO
This issue previews many of the important events taking place at this year's show and highlights some changes and opportunities. So, buckle up. We are counting down to IPC APEX EXPO 2024.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Events
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
Electronics Industry Sentiment Rises in March
March 27, 2024 | IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Sentiment among electronics manufacturers remains positive, with demand reaching the highest level in a year, according to IPC’s March Sentiment of the Global Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain Report.
When asked about how the current interest rate environment impacts their businesses, firms that rely on borrowed capital indicated they are seeing an impact on material costs, inventories, and orders as a result of higher interest rates, which then filters down to reduced CAPEX spend and ability to grow and invest in other areas of the business. Among firms operating in markets outside of the United States exchange rates can also be negatively impacted by higher U.S. interest rates.
In regards to outlook for next six months, electronics manufacturers expect labor costs to come down slightly, with material costs holding steady. While profit margins and backlogs are expected to improve, ease of recruitment is likely to remain challenging.
Additional survey data show:
- Cost pressures remain consistent: The Material Cost Index rose three points, but was offset by a three-point decline in the Labor Costs Index.
- The New Orders Index rose to the highest level since July 2022.
- Industry Outlook improves: The Demand Outlook Index approached an all-time high while the outlook for Profit Margin also hit an all-time high.
- Orders, shipments and capacity utilization are all expected to rise significantly in the near-term.
These results are based upon the findings of IPC’s Current State of Electronics Manufacturing Survey, fielded between February 14 and February 29, 2024.
Read the full report here.
Suggested Items
IMI Welcomes New CEO
05/03/2024 | IMIIntegrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. (IMI),The IMI Board of Directors announced, in a disclosure dated April 25, 2024, the appointment of Louis Sylvester Hughes, Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Electronics Industry Sentiment Rose in April, Hitting New High
05/02/2024 | IPCApril 2024 marked the third consecutive month of sentiment growth among electronics manufacturers. When asked if they expected labor costs for hourly workers to rise over the next month, manufacturers in the United States, Mexico, and Europe predicted a five percent increase, while manufacturers in Asia predicted a slightly lower four percent increase.
iNEMI Names Grace O'Malley CTO
05/02/2024 | iNEMIThe Board of Directors of the International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI) has named Grace O'Malley Chief Technical Officer (CTO).
ZESTRON Academy Launches 2024 Advanced Packaging & Power Electronics Webinar Series
05/01/2024 | ZESTRONZESTRON, the leading global provider of high-precision cleaning products, services, and training solutions in the electronics manufacturing and semiconductor industries, proudly announces the launch of its highly anticipated webinar series on Advanced Packaging & Power Electronics, a webinar series on the latest innovations, cleaning, and corrosion challenges.
NextFlex Convenes the Hybrid Electronics Community at Binghamton University
05/01/2024 | NextFlexBinghamton University hosted the NextFlex hybrid electronics community on April 18 for a day of expert presentations, breakout sessions on technology and manufacturing topics, and networking.