Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1537616
16 PCB007 MAGAZINE I JULY 2025 sages out and drive favorable outcomes for the microelectronics industry. During the meeting we also took time for open discussion about current dynamics in our indus- try. Tariffs were a frequent topic of conversa- tion. Companies of all sizes are challenged by the uncertainty caused by frequently changing tariffs. Because we rely on a global supply chain, costs are increasing in unpredictable ways, which makes long-range planning and investment difficult. We reminded policymakers that the PCB indus- try represents family businesses and billion-dol- lar operations alike. At all levels, the ever-chang- ing nature of trade policy is a burden on our indus- try. This underscores why PCBAA and our partners at organizations like the Global Electronics Asso- ciation are focused on incentives and policies that will create a demand signal and advance a renais- sance of American manufacturing. As we wrapped up another successful week in Washington, I was left with a few key takeaways: • Our industry should continue to fight for tariff exemptions for select items in the PCB supply chain. American industry relies on foreign inputs, and our trade policy should reflect that. • PCB executives need to provide this administra- tion with big ideas for making American compa- nies more competitive on the global stage. A M E R I CA N M A D E A DVO CACY • We must continuously educate legislators, policymakers, and their staff about our indus- try. PCBs, while essential and ubiquitous, remain largely invisible without our advocacy. • Our strategy must remain multifaceted. In addition to the PCBS Act, H.R. 3597, we will pursue DoD regulations that secure supply chains and push for domestic sourcing of the microelectronics that power critical infrastruc- ture. We will also work closely with Depart- ment of Commerce officials writing the poli- cies and regulations that govern our industry. We have an opportunity to influence the future of our industry in the year ahead. Now more than ever, we need to work together wherever we oper- ate to educate, advocate, and champion legislation and policies that will revitalize American microelec- tronics manufacturing. We welcome new members and new voices across our industry to support this very important mission. PCB007 Shane Whiteside is president and CEO of Summit Interconnect and current chair of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America. To read past columns, click here. The copper market is experiencing major turbu- lence in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a 50% tariff on imported cop- per effective Aug. 1. Recent news reports, includ- ing from the New York Times, sent U.S. copper fu- tures soaring to record highs, climbing nearly 13% in a single day as manufacturers braced for supply shocks and surging costs. The problem is that electronics-grade copper, often in the form of rolled or electrodeposited foil, high-purity cathodes, and specialized plating so - lutions, is not easily substitutable and has few do - mestic sources. The Global Electronics Association is monitoring the situation closely and urging the administration to exempt electronics-grade cop - per and associated materials from the tariff list. Meanwhile, manufacturers should assess poten- tial cost imp acts and explore supply diversifica - tion, re cycling strate gies, and material substitu - tions. To learn more, contact Richard Cappetto, richardcappetto@electronics.org. Read the entire story Copper Price Surge Raises Alarms for Electronics