Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1443477
74 PCB007 MAGAZINE I JANUARY 2022 dependence on other countries created a sup- ply chain risk to everyday consumer technolo- gies as well as critical national security appli- cations. e Printed Circuit Board Association of America was formed to address these issues through pursuing three major objectives: 1. Support the domestic production of PCBs. Foreign subsidies have led to artificially low prices on PCBs produced abroad. It's time to level the playing field for producers that choose to manufacture PCBs in the United States and for purchasers who choose to improve their supply chain resiliency by purchasing domes- tically manufactured PCBs. 2. Enhance domestic supply chain security. Without robust and secure domestic sup- ply chains, the production of electronics for critical commercial and national security systems is not sustainable. It's time for the United States to support the microelectron- ics industry the way other nations have done: by creating an environment that enhances our domestic producers' ability to compete globally. 3. Advocate for initiatives that create fair market conditions. America's reliance on overseas manufactur- ing for PCBs arose out of unfair market dynam- ics. Foreign governments subsidize PCB com- panies, flooding the market with excess capac- ity and artificially low prices. is creates unfair market conditions which puts U.S. companies at a significant competitive disadvantage. is needs to change to allow American microelec- tronics manufacturing to flourish. As we head into a new year, there are rea- sons to be optimistic. Less than a year aer it was formed, our association has grown to over a dozen members, and there is a steady stream of more companies interested in joining. Our public education campaign and advo- cacy efforts in the halls of Congress have begun to pay off. Lawmakers are more aware of the impact of a lopsided microelectronics eco- system largely controlled by other nations. A growing number of elected officials support the need for a resilient supply chain and the benefits of reshoring microelectronics manu- facturing, and have influenced favorable leg- islation. For instance, the recent National Defense Authorization Act contains language that promotes domestic production of critical microelectronics. While our team celebrates the progress we've made, we understand the hard work that remains in front of us. We have a unique opportunity to secure our electronics supply chain, reinvigorate high-tech manufacturing, and maintain America's leading technological edge. e PCBAA believes in—and fights for— market fairness and a level playing field on which U.S. PCB manufacturers can compete and win. If you're interested in joining our effort, please visit us online. PCB007 Travis Kelly is the CEO of Isola and current chairman of The Printed Circuit Board Association of America or PCBAA. This column will appear regularly.. Our public education campaign and advocacy efforts in the halls of Congress have begun to pay off.