Category Archives: Government Relations

IMPACT Washington, D.C. 2019 Recap: Industry Leaders Call for Action on USMCA Trade Deal, Other Pro-Manufacturing Policies

May 29, 2019 – 10:45 am

By Chris Mitchell, IPC vice president of global government relations Top executives from electronics companies across the United States were in Washington, D.C., last week to call on the Trump administration and Congress to support policies that will drive the electronics industry’s future growth in North America and worldwide. IPC’s government relations team works year-round […]

By IPC | Also posted in electronics, IPC | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment

United States Increases Tariffs on More Chinese Products

May 9, 2019 – 10:38 am

by Chris Mitchell, IPC vice president, global government relations The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has published the official Federal Register notice increasing tariffs from 10 percent to 25 percent on another $200 billion worth of Chinese products, effective at 12:01 a.m. on Friday. Meanwhile, the USTR also has added more products to the list of […]

By IPC | Also posted in IPC, trade | Tagged , , , , | Leave a Comment

Export Controls in Flux

May 7, 2019 – 2:31 pm

By Ken Schramko, senior director, North American government relations U.S. export control rules have changed significantly over the last decade, and more changes are expected as policymakers tackle the treatment of new and foundational technologies and respond to geopolitical developments. To help electronics companies comply with these rules and stay abreast of developments, IPC recently […]

By Ken Schramko | Also posted in education, IPC, Legislation, Regulations, Supply Chain | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (1)

U.S. Tax Law Boosts Growth, But Uncertainties Loom

April 16, 2019 – 3:12 pm

By Chris Mitchell, vice president, global government relations Monday, April 15 was the deadline for millions of Americans to file their income tax returns, so this is a good time to review the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) as well as the current tax policy landscape and how these rules are affecting […]

By IPC | Also posted in electronics, IPC, Membership | Tagged , , , , | Leave a Comment

IPC Working to Revive R&D on Lead-Free Electronics in High-Reliability Sectors

April 9, 2019 – 9:05 am

by Chris Mitchell, IPC vice president, global government relations Ask yourself the following question: Why is it that the aerospace, defense and high performance (ADHP) electronics sectors remain reliant on lead solders and components even as the commercial sector has largely phased out their use? The short answer is that lead-free electronics do not offer […]

By IPC | Also posted in IPC, Lead Free | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment

Question of the Week: What Does Brexit Mean to Your Company?

April 4, 2019 – 8:32 am

The United Kingdom’s effort to leave the European Union, known as Brexit, is making waves in the global economy. Many companies are facing tough decisions about their operations in the UK and EU. IPC members, how concerned are you about the impacts of Brexit on your company? Take a one-minute survey.   Last Week’s Question: […]

By IPC | Also posted in IPC | Tagged , , | Leave a Comment

Brexit Postponed Amid Political Gridlock; Industry Disruptions in Store

April 3, 2019 – 7:42 am

By Chris Mitchell, vice president, global government relations The United Kingdom’s effort to leave the European Union, known by the nickname “Brexit,” is bogged down in political uncertainty, which in turn is creating disruptions in the global economy. With a “no-deal” Brexit possible within two weeks, here’s a recap of recent developments and the possible […]

By IPC | Also posted in IPC | Tagged , , , , | Leave a Comment

Tell Us What You Think About the Skilled Workforce Shortage

March 21, 2019 – 2:19 pm

As a longtime leader in education and training in our industry, IPC is stepping up its efforts, and we could use your input. How would you answer the following question? Over the last year, how difficult has it been for your company to find qualified workers for roles that require technical knowledge and skills? Click […]

By IPC | Also posted in IPC, Workforce Development | Leave a Comment

Trump’s FY2020 Budget Plan Kicks Off U.S. Policy Debates

March 21, 2019 – 10:51 am

by Ken Schramko, senior director, North American Government Relations Within the last week, U.S. President Trump released his $4.7 trillion fiscal 2020 budget plan, kicking off the annual federal budget process. IPC is watching several budget debates that could impact the electronics industry and its supply chain. It’s important to remember that Congress has the […]

By Ken Schramko | Also posted in Economy, IPC, Workforce Development | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment

Here’s the 2019 Outlook on IPC Advocacy for Workforce Education and Training

March 12, 2019 – 9:35 am

by Ken Schramko, senior director, North American government relations The chronic shortage of skilled workers is the top business challenge facing the electronics industry worldwide. Our skilled workers are aging and retiring faster than we can hire replacements. A large majority of our members report that their inability to find skilled workers is limiting their […]

By Ken Schramko | Also posted in IPC, Membership, Workforce Development | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment