Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1535183
60 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I MAY 2025 it's no surprise they tend to represent areas where our member companies are located. Members of Congress are proud to support what's in their districts. We're always looking for more members to come forward and be part of our advocacy efforts. When we can make a direct connec- tion between the companies, employees, and the economy in a particular state and district, that helps to build more champions on Capi- tol Hill. Within the administration, there's a better understanding of the issues facing our indus- try in the Department of Defense and at the Department of Commerce. We continue to work with DoD to identify solutions for building up our defense electronics industrial base through programs like the Defense Pro- duction Act Purchases, Industrial Base Anal- ysis and Sustainment (IBAS), and Office of Strategic Capital (OSC). At the Department of Commerce, we worked with them closely in the last administration on AI data centers and supply chain vulnerabilities, including urging them to work with PCB manufactur- ers and assemblers. It was encouraging when they hosted an industry dialogue last fall with PCB manufacturers. We are continuing those relationships as we seek to build rela- tionships with some new staff. Matties: What's your take on other countries negotiating tariff and trade deals? We've been monitoring the developments since the announcement of the reciprocal tar- iffs. At this point, it's not clear what the out- comes of individual negotiations will be. It does seem that the administration is moving in the direction of negotiating to lower tar- iff rates. But specific terms of those deals are not yet being shared, even privately. In some cases, the White House has said that going to zero is not enough. ey're looking for other non-tariff trade barriers to come down as well. at opens a much broader scope of issues that are up for negotiation, and it's dif- ficult to say where those discussions end up. IPC is advocating for the impact of tariffs to be reduced as quickly as possible and that we continue to move toward a fair and open, pre- dictable rules-based system of trade because, ultimately, even U.S.-based manufacturers depend on a global supply chain for materi- als, equipment, and components. Innovation depends on access to those things. e elec- tronics industry won't move forward in her- metically sealed isolated pockets. Our CEO, Dr. John W. Mitchell, made this case in his keynote speech at IPC APEX EXPO, which was all about building bridges and finding areas where we can collabo- rate. Sure, there are national security needs in each country, and countries should take steps to protect those parts of the industry that are necessary for national security and infrastructure security. But the next big leap in improving human life on our planet will be powered by electronics. e path to get there is paved by innovation fueled by global trade. We are advocating so that the outcome of these negotiations will move forward toward an end state where trade can continue while also building our domestic capabilities to have a more resilient regional supply chain. Matties: Part of the negotiations are the regu- lations. The position is that unreasonable regulation is inhibiting or limiting between the U.S. and other countries. Has that been a conversation that your team has had as well? We welcome any opportunity to help our members and champion their concerns. We would be interested in hearing from our members where regulations are caus- " We're always looking for more members to come forward and be part of our advocacy efforts. "