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52 SMT007 MAGAZINE I SEPTEMBER 2025 G LO BA L C I T I Z E N S H I P If there's one thing we've learned in the past few decades of electronics evolution, it's that no region has a monopoly on excellence. Whether it's materials science breakthroughs in Europe, manufacturing efficiencies in China, or design innovations in Silicon Valley, the PCB industry thrives on collaboration. The path to a truly complete and perfect PCB solution for the world is through cooperation across borders, particularly between two of the most dynamic players in our industry: China and North America. This is not simply about business synergy; it's about global citizenship, because a true global PCB solution doesn't just meet specs—it meets needs. It balances speed with reliability, cost with quality, and volume with customization. It supports everything from next-gen AI servers to lifesaving medical devices. To meet these growing demands, the smartest companies and countries understand that working together isn't optional; it's essential. Unique Strengths on Both Sides China is a powerhouse in the global PCB manufac- turing ecosystem. The scale, speed, automation, and growing sophistication of Chinese fabricators allow global brands to dream bigger, build faster, and deploy at scale. What's often underappreciated is how much collaboration has shaped this success, whether through joint ventures, technology transfers, or client-led requirements from North America, Europe, and beyond. North America, meanwhile, brings its distinct advantages to the table. These include: • Deep experience with complex, high-reliability builds (think aerospace, defense, and medical applications) • World-class design and engineering expertise • A strong culture of compliance, certification, and documentation • A mindset of innovation and early adoption Where China thrives in efficiency, North America leads in definition. Many of the world's critical specs and product requirements are born in design houses from Austin to Ottawa. Instead of viewing these as competing strengths, why not see them as complementary muscles of the same body? Together for a Perfect PCB Solution by Tom Yang, CEE PCB