EMS & The Economist: Geopolitical Factors Shaping the Manufacturing Sector Amidst Weak Demand

Can the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cuts revive stagnant capital investment and business confidence? Join IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac as we unravel the intricate dynamics shaping the North American economy in our latest episode of EMS & The Economist.

Utilizing IPC data, we uncover persistent demand weakness in the manufacturing sector, underscored by poor book-to-bill ratios for both PCB and EMS. Listen as we dissect the long-term investments and recent project delays of semiconductor giants like TSMC, Intel, and Samsung, and consider their implications for future growth. Our exploration doesn’t stop at North American borders. The episode dives into global trade and the hurdles manufacturing faces amidst a challenging economy. We navigate the geopolitical mazes of the semiconductor supply chain, touching on China’s dominance over rare earth materials and negotiations to ensure the US has access to the materials needed to manufacture the semiconductors they and China need.

The discussion shifts gears to China’s domestic growth initiatives and the burgeoning EV market, where companies like BYD are shaking up the industry. As we wrap up, we emphasize the importance of sustainable supply chains and ponder the potential impact of the upcoming presidential debate on manufacturing jobs. Don’t miss out on this comprehensive analysis of today’s most pressing economic issues.

Like every episode of EMS@C-Level, this one was sponsored by global inspection leader Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Adaptable Automation Specialist Launchpad.build (https://launchpad.build).