The United States has lost its historical dominance in a fundamental area of ​​electronics technology – printed circuit boards (PCBs) – and the lack of significant US government support for the sector leaves the country’s economy and national security dangerously dependent on foreign suppliers.

These are among the findings of a new report released by IPC, the global association of electronics manufacturers, which outlines the steps the US government and industry itself must take if it is to survive in the United States.

The report, written by industry veteran Joe O’Neil as part of IPC’s Thought Leaders Program, was prompted in part by the United States Competitiveness and Innovation Act (USICA) passed by the Senate and similar legislation being prepared in the House. O’Neil writes that for such measures to achieve their stated goals, Congress must ensure that printed circuit boards (PCBs) and related technologies are covered. Otherwise, the United States will become increasingly incapable of manufacturing the advanced electronic systems it designs.

“The U.S. PCB manufacturing industry is in worse shape than the semiconductor industry, and it’s time for industry and government to make significant changes to address it,” O’ wrote. Neil, director of OAA Ventures in San Jose, California. “Otherwise, the PCB industry could soon be on the verge of extinction in the United States, putting America’s future in jeopardy.”

Since 2000, the US share of global PCB production has fallen from over 30% to just 4%, with China now dominating the sector at around 50%. Only four of the top 20 electronics manufacturing services (EMS) companies are based in the United States.

Any loss of access to Chinese PCB production would be ‘catastrophic’, with computers, telecom networks, medical equipment, aerospace, cars and trucks and other industries already dependent on untrusted electronics suppliers. Americans.

To address this issue, “industry must intensify its focus on research and development (R&D), standards, and automation, and the U.S. government must provide supportive policy, including greater investment in R&D related to PCBs,” says O’Neil. . “With this interconnected two-track approach, domestic industry could regain the ability to meet the needs of critical industries in the decades to come.”

Chris Mitchell, Vice President of Global Government Relations for IPC, adds, “The U.S. government and all stakeholders must recognize that every element of the electronic ecosystem is vitally important to every other, and they all must be maintained if the government’s goal is to restore U.S. independence and leadership in advanced electronics for mission-critical applications.

IPC’s Thought Leaders Program (TLP) harnesses the knowledge of industry experts to inform its efforts on key drivers of change and to offer valuable insights to IPC members and external stakeholders. TLP experts offer ideas and insights in five areas: education and the workforce; technology and innovation; the economy; key markets; and environment and safety

This is the first in a series planned by IPC thought leaders on gaps and challenges in printed circuit boards and related electronics manufacturing supply chains.