Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1531014
8 SMT007 MAGAZINE I JANUARY 2025 Nolan's Notes by Nolan Johnson, I-CONNECT007 Emerging Trends in 2025 January is a traditional time to mark changes in our lives. A new year can signal new beginnings. But change is constant. So, as we flip over the calendar into 2025, we look at what's ahead for the EMS supplier industry. What are your concerns and chal- lenges? What trends are emerging? What can you expect from a new administration? Here's what I found: • Tariffs: e incoming U.S. administra- tion is expected to shake things up. What we don't know is how, when, or to what degree. • Technical capabilities: is is taking form as UHDI capabilities, skilled workforce, and automation. • Artificial intelligence: How do machine learning and predictive engineering fit into the manufacturing environment? • Margins: Shake the economic magic 8-ball on the margin question, and the answer comes up, "All indicators point to uncer- tainty." How will you be defending your margins in 2025? at isn't so clear here at the start of the year. • Nearshoring: China Plus One is an adjacent topic; it goes really well with this discussion.