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34 PCB007 MAGAZINE I DECEMBER 2023 and Taiwan—my experiences there provided a stark contrast to the North American market. ese countries collectively represent near- ly half of the world's population, with India standing out as a significant opportunity for growth due to both its large population and strategic importance. In India, China, and Tai- wan, investments are notably directed toward higher technology and increased layer counts, all leading toward more sophistication and miniaturization. Many Indian companies expressed interest in expanding into the Nor th Amer ican markets, emphasizing advancements in technology, equipment manufacturing, and edu- cation efforts to enhance the production of higher- tech, higher-yield printed circuit boards. Discussions in Asia pri- mar ily revolved around meeting f uture technolog y demands in the U.S. and global marketplace. ese Asian countries are not only investing in technology but also in their workforce, strengthening customer rela- tionships, and exploring diverse sectors that could contribute to the growth of the global PCB market. e industry in Asia appears un- certain about future growth, particularly in identifying where and how it will manifest, with the EV and AI sectors emerging as a po- tential frontrunner in the higher technology range. e dynamics of the PCB market are multi- faceted, encompassing soening trends, global perspectives, and strategic investments, with each region navigating its unique set of chal- lenges and opportunities. Shaughnessy: What was your take on automation in Europe? As we stand on the precipice of the Factory 5.0 era, it's evident that Europe and North Ameri- Andy Shaughnessy: How would you describe the board market today? e PCB market is indeed experiencing a no- ticeable soening, and this observation stems from various angles, including customers grap- pling with excess inventory and expressing concerns about the economic outlook, both in North America and globally. e unique perspective emerging in the North American market involves customers seeking compa- nies with a more global footprint and the abil- ity to scale effectively in North America and elsewhere to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions into the future. During my visit to Europe earlier this year, the European market also showed signs of so- ening, with companies exploring the potential im- pact of the U.S. CHIPS Act on the PCB industry both lo- cally and globally. I was able to travel through eight European countries, not exclusively relat- ed to printed circuit boards, to gain a broader perspective. Companies in Europe are antici- pating significant investments from major play- ers like Intel and others in the chip market, but as of yet, there are no substantial downstream effects. However, I did observe European companies investing in and exploring HDI and ultra HDI technologies. ey encountered similar chal- lenges to North America, such as labor short- ages, training issues, and generational knowl- edge transfer concerns. Rising raw material costs and transportation delays were also prev- alent worries, echoing the sentiments in North America. Despite these challenges, the overall outlook for 2024 in Europe appeared optimis- tic with a mix of apprehension and positivity. Shiing focus to the three prominent Asian countries that I visited this year—India, China, The PCB market is indeed experiencing a noticeable softening...