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54 SMT007 MAGAZINE I SEPTEMBER 2025 Bridging the Gap Too often, supply chain conversations frame this relationship in terms of tension: tariffs, IP concerns, and political uncertainty. These are important con- versations, but what if we flipped the script? Instead of talking about what divides us, we should discuss what connects us, because on the shop floor, in the engineering department, and at the packaging bench, there is mutual respect. The designer in California wants the same thing as the process engineer in Guangdong: a flawlessly functioning board, economically built, and delivered on time. There's an opportunity here—a big one. By bridg- ing capability with creativity, and execution with engineering, we can build a value chain that is more resilient, responsive, and responsible than before. What North America Can Offer China 1. Early-stage co-design and DFM guidance: North American engineers are often the tip of the spear in product development. Collaborating early can help Chinese fabs prepare processes that are aligned with both the design intent and downstream scalability. 2. Advanced materials and stackups: From RF/ microwave boards to ultra-HDI and hybrid constructions, North American designers frequently work with cutting-edge materials. Their input can help Chinese partners stay ahead of the curve. 3. Compliance and certifications know-how: Navigating IPC Class 3, ITAR, AS9100, and FDA standards is second nature to many North American firms. Sharing that knowl- edge elevates everyone's performance and opens doors to new markets. 4. Voice of the end customer: U.S. and Canadian OEMs often have insight into the final user's pain points. Feeding that intel upstream benefits fabricators who want to offer more than "just build-to-print." What China Can Offer North America 1. Scalability and speed: For North American startups and scale-ups, the ability to go from prototype to production quickly and afford- ably is invaluable. Chinese fabs excel at this. 2. Process maturity and investment: With advanced automation, robotic inspection, and 24/7 production lines, Chinese fabrica- tors have invested heavily in capabilities that many smaller U.S. shops can't match. 3. Cost efficiency: Particularly for high-volume runs, Chinese manufacturing remains price- competitive, allowing North American firms to be more flexible in pricing and strategy. 4. Growing technical sophistication: Gone are the days when China could only handle simple double-sided boards. Today, they have shops mastering HDI, sequential lamination, via-in- pad, and flex-rigid hybrids, often with shorter lead times than expected. Toward a Unified Global Value Chain So, what does a complete and perfect PCB solution look like? It's not simply a board that passes an electrical test. It's a board born from cross-cultural collaboration, where the design team, fab shop, and assembly partner row in the same direction. It's a solution where: • Design files arrive with notes that reflect real-world production constraints • Fabricators give feedback that prevents yield issues • We optimize final builds not just for specs but for strategy. To get there, we need more than partnerships. We need shared mindsets, which require: • Proactive communication across time zones • Mutual respect for differences in pace, style, and approach • Joint development of standards and innova- tions, not merely sourcing and quoting The future belongs to those who can build together. What the World Needs Now As 5G, electric vehicles, renewable energy, AI, and " " By bridging capability with creativity, and execution with engineering, we can build a value chain that is more resilient, responsive, and responsible than before. G LO BA L C I T I Z E N S H I P