European EMS Market Experiences Double Digit Negative Growth in 2024, but may Experience Slight Positive Growth in 2025

Feb 26, 2025

by Sanjay Huprikar, president, IPC Europe and South Asia operations

As revealed this week by an annual survey conducted by in4ma and sponsored by IPC, the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) industry in Europe experienced negative 14 percent growth in printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) production in 2024.

While it was a very challenging year for the industry, Dieter Weiss, founder and president of in4ma, and lead architect of the survey, was able to motivate 427 companies to contribute data to this year’s survey, which was a record level of participation and represented a doubling of overall participants and a tripling in non-DACH participants in just three years.

Key industry takeaways and extrapolations from this survey and analysis included:

The top 136 companies made up only 7 percent of the overall companies, but were responsible for 81 percent of the European market
50 percent of all the EMS sites in Europe were in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom
Nearly 67 percent of the participating companies experienced lower revenues in 2024 vs. 2023
Germany’s EMS industry experienced negative 18 percent growth overall driven mainly by the automotive, industrial, and measuring and instrumentation electronics verticals, but also showed positive double-digit growth in the aerospace, agriculture, and household electronics verticals
On average, headcount across the European EMS industry was down two percent
Overall prognosis for 2025 is that the European EMS market could grow by three percent

The 88-page report contains country specific detailed data and metrics on order backlog, inventory, revenue per head, export ratios, and much more. Weiss plans to formally share his findings and analysis in detail at two live presentations in June:

IPC UK EMS Executives Meeting – London, UK – June 12
in4ma EMS & PCB Forum – Bonn, Germany – June 26

The full report “Annual Survey of the European EMS Industry 2025” authored by Dieter G. Weiss and Dr. Mareike Haass can be purchased directly from in4ma at www.in4ma.de. Contact Weiss or Dr. Haass at weiss@in4ma.de or haass@in4ma.de for additional information.

IPC fully champions the Pan-European EMS industry by focusing on standards, education, training and certification, advocacy, technology solutions, industry intelligence, and networking events. You can learn more about how to participate in these initiatives by contacting Philippe Leonard, senior director, IPC Europe, at philippeleonard@ipc.org.

Statement on Clean Industrial Deal and Omnibus Package

Feb 26, 2025

The following statement can be attributed to Alison James, Senior Director, IPC European Government Relations:

The high regulatory and administrative burden in Europe has led to a decline in European competitiveness for the electronics industry in recent years. IPC has long advocated for a 25% reduction in regulations and smarter policies that drive both sustainability and industrial growth. The European Commission’s new omnibus regulations and Clean Industrial Plan are steps in the right direction, but more must be done. While the regulations provide needed compliance delays, due diligence requirements remain overly complex and misaligned with policy goals. IPC supports the Clean Industrial Plan’s investment ambitions in clean manufacturing but urges a stronger focus on competitiveness and resilience. From the ‘made in Europe’ criteria in public and private procurements, to the mobilization of €50 billion under InvestEU, this moment presents an opportunity to rectify the strategic disadvantages that the European electronics manufacturing industry is facing. As the proposals advance, IPC will continue pushing for policies that balance sustainability with a thriving European electronics industry.

Quote:

“Today’s announcements aim to rectify the strategic disadvantages that have made it difficult for European industry to grow and compete. The electronics sector will require their roll-out with urgency. We want these initiatives to live up to their promise and are here to help," said Alison James, Senior Director, IPC European Government Relations.

European EMS Market Experiences Double Digit Negative Growth in 2024, But May Experience Slight Positive Growth in 2025

Feb 26, 2025

“While it was a very challenging year for the industry, Dieter Weiss, founder and president of in4ma, and lead architect of the survey, was able to motivate 427 companies to contribute data to this year’s survey, which was a record level of participation and represented a doubling of overall participants and a tripling in non-DACH participants in just three years,” stated Sanjay Huprikar, president, Europe and South Asia operations.”

Key industry takeaways and extrapolations from this survey and analysis included:

The top 136 companies made up only 7 percent of the overall companies, but were responsible for 81 percent of the European market
50 percent of all the EMS sites in Europe were in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom
Nearly 67 percent of the participating companies experienced lower revenues in 2024 vs. 2023
Germany’s EMS industry experienced negative 18 percent growth overall driven mainly by the automotive, industrial, and measuring and instrumentation electronics verticals, but also showed positive double-digit growth in the aerospace, agriculture, and household electronics verticals
On average, headcount across the European EMS industry was down two percent
Overall prognosis for 2025 is that the European EMS market could grow by three percent

IPC UK EMS Executives Meeting – London, UK – June 12
in4ma EMS & PCB Forum – Bonn, Germany – June 26

IPC, the global electronics association, fully champions the Pan-European EMS industry by focusing on standards, education, training and certification, advocacy, technology solutions, industry intelligence, and networking events. You can learn more about how to participate in these initiatives by contacting Philippe Leonard, senior director, IPC Europe, at philippeleonard@ipc.org.

Workforce Funding for EMS Companies: Opportunities Amidst Uncertainty

By Victoria Hawkins, director of workforce grants and funding, IPC

Feb 24, 2025

The funding landscape for workforce development is evolving. While federal grant freezes and shifting policies have introduced some uncertainty, there are still viable opportunities available for companies in the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) industry. As the Director of Workforce Grants and Funding at IPC, I am committed to assisting EMS companies in identifying and securing state and local funding sources to support workforce training, apprenticeship programs, and upskilling efforts.

Challenges in Federal Workforce Funding

Recent federal actions, including temporary grant freezes and shifting priorities, have impacted funding for workforce initiatives. However, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and various state workforce agencies continue to support training programs, ensuring that employers in electronics manufacturing can access resources to develop skilled labor.

While some federal workforce funding is in flux, state-level grants remain strong. Many states are stepping in to expand apprenticeship programs, support small businesses, and invest in advanced manufacturing training—all of which directly benefit EMS companies.

Key Workforce Funding Trends for the EMS Industry

Despite the current federal funding climate, EMS companies have several opportunities to leverage state and industry-driven programs:

Apprenticeships & Employer-Led Training for Advanced Manufacturing

State funding for apprenticeship and upskilling programs remains a key priority. IPC actively supports apprenticeship expansion for electronics assembly and PCB design, fabrication and assembly, helping employers access funding for structured training programs.

Small Business & Supply Chain Support

Many EMS companies operate as small to mid-sized businesses within the supply chain. States continue to offer grants for workforce expansion, equipment purchases, and operational growth, helping manufacturers scale their production capabilities.

Infrastructure Investments in Semiconductor & Electronics Manufacturing

With ongoing investments in reshoring initiatives, domestic semiconductor and PCB production is growing, creating new funding opportunities for workforce training. Programs tied to the CHIPS Act and state economic development initiatives can help EMS companies train employees for high-tech manufacturing jobs.

STEM & Technical Education Partnerships

Electronics manufacturing requires a highly skilled workforce trained in PCB design, soldering, and precision assembly. While some federal STEM funding has been deprioritized, state programs continue to invest in technical education. EMS companies can benefit from partnering with community colleges and vocational schools offering electronics-focused training programs.

Sustainability & Green Electronics Initiatives

EMS companies engaged in renewable energy, battery storage, and EV component manufacturing may face challenges due to reduced federal support for sustainability initiatives. However, state and regional workforce grants remain available for companies focused on green electronics and energy-efficient manufacturing.

How IPC Can Help EMS Companies Secure Workforce Funding

At IPC, we continuously monitor workforce funding sources at all levels to help EMS companies:

Identify and apply for workforce development grants
Leverage state and local funding for training initiatives
Develop strategies to maximize available funding opportunities

While federal funding remains unpredictable, state-driven workforce programs continue to provide critical support for electronics manufacturers. If your company is looking for ways to offset training costs, expand your workforce, or invest in employee upskilling, we’re here to help.

Contact me today to explore funding opportunities for your workforce development needs.
Victoria Hawkins
Director of Workforce Grants and Funding, IPC

IPC WorksAsia - IPC Standards Technical Seminar

Date

Apr 24, 2025 | 1:30 - 5:30pm CST (12:30 - 4:30am CDT)

The IPC WorksAsia is a technical seminar that IPC focuses on professional fields. It aims to strengthen member interaction and cooperation, promote resource sharing, and help electronics manufacturing enterprises stand out in the competition.

This event will conduct in-depth exchanges and discussions around technical standards, supply chain collaboration, and industry hotspots, helping industry peers understand industry trends and expand cooperation opportunities.

Shenzhen Dayhello International Hotel

NO.12 Bao tian 1st Road
Bao'an Qu
Shenzhen Shi
Guangdong Sheng, 518102
China

Shenzhen Dayhello International Hotel

Shenzhen Dayhello International Hotel
NO.12 Bao tian 1st Road
Shenzhen Shi, GD 518102
China

IPC APEX EXPO Named One of Trade Show Executive’s Top 100, Class of 2024

Feb 24, 2025

Trade Show Executive, the foremost magazine for the trade show industry, recognized IPC APEX EXPO 2024 as one of the top 100 fastest-growing trade shows in the United States for the number of exhibiting companies and net square footage.

IPC APEX EXPO, the largest trade show for electronics manufacturing in North America, hosted 412 exhibitors who engaged in three days of business development, generating 22,552 qualified sales leads on 138,900 net square feet of Anaheim Convention Center show floor space. In addition, the show attracted 7,245 total visitors including attendees and exhibitor personnel, a 5.1 percent increase from 2023.

“This achievement is a testament to the strength and innovation of the electronics industry and the incredible support of our exhibitors, attendees, and partners,” said Alicia Balonek, IPC senior director of trade shows and events. “We are celebrating 25 years of IPC APEX EXPO next month, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Anaheim March 15-20.”

According to Trade Show Executive, The Fastest 50 & Next 50 honorees are selected based on the percentage of growth in three categories:

Net square feet
Number of exhibiting companies
Number of attendees.

IPC, along with other honorees will be recognized at The Fastest 50 Awards & Summit, taking place April 30-May 2 in Orlando, an exclusive event for upper-level trade show management, specifically for budgetary influencers and decision-makers.

This year, IPC APEX EXPO will feature more than 400 exhibitors from every step in the electronics manufacturing supply chain, including the industry’s leading equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and product innovators who provide services to help attendees gain greater efficiency while improving their bottom lines.

To view a complete list of companies exhibiting at IPC APEX EXPO, visit www.IPCAPEXEXPO.org/exhibitors. Companies interested in exhibiting can contact Balonek at +1 847-597-2898 or AliciaBalonek@ipc.org.

For more information about the show or to register, visit www.IPCAPEXEXPO.org. Event essentials registration is free to individuals who pre-register online ($50 on-site). To maximize event experience, individuals can take advantage of the All-Access Package which includes all technical conference sessions; five half-day professional development courses; the EMS Leadership Summit, IPC luncheons, and more.

IPC Strengthens Focus in Southeast Asia, Announces New Regional Vice President

Feb 24, 2025

IPC, the global electronics association, announces the promotion of Gaurab Majumdar to vice president of Southeast Asia and India. This change underscores IPC’s continued dedication and recent increase in resources and investment to drive growth and innovation in one of Asia's most dynamic and strategically vital hubs for electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.

“Many of our members are rapidly expanding their presence in this region and new players continue to emerge every day,” said Dr. John W. Mitchell, IPC president and CEO. “We are actively striving to enhance industry engagement and build a stronger community around workforce training, government relations, standards development, value chain resiliency, and industry networking.”

Majumdar will be managing the region with the support of 30+ staff members spread out across India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. He can be reached at GaurabMajumdar@ipc.org.

For more information on IPC’s services in the region, visit https://www.ipc.org/ipc-india.

Leaders of EMS Companies Help IPC Advocate for the Industry

Feb 21, 2025

| By Richard Cappetto

by Rich Cappetto, IPC Senior Director, North American Government Relations

As the U.S. Congress was making progress this week on a budget framework and annual defense authorization and spending bills for the coming year, more than a dozen senior executives from electronics manufacturing services (EMS) companies joined IPC in the nation’s capital for the EMS Leadership Public Policy Roundtable. This two-day event featured expert-led discussions, networking and socializing, and meetings with lawmakers in their offices on Capitol Hill.

The group spent the first day engaging with leading policy experts on issues including the workforce pipeline, taxes, tariffs, and the state of the U.S. and global economy.

Building the Electronics Workforce: Erica Marie Price-Burns of Whiteboard Advisors, Annelies Goger of the Brookings Institution, and Zach Boren of the Urban Institute described the state of play on federal workforce policy and proposals that could help our industry. For example, short-term Pell Grants could be opened up for uses beyond college such as enabling students to pay for certification-based training. The industry leaders in the room reiterated their continuing challenges with replacing older workers as they retire, and the ongoing burden of recruiting and training workers. They shared tips on what has worked in their states, including IPC’s apprenticeships program; internships; and engagements with local community colleges.
Navigating Economic Trends: IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac noted that while recession risks have receded, inflation remains persistent, and the electronics industry continues to experience significant wage pressures. Manufacturing’s share of construction is at an all-time time, with electronics-related manufacturing accounting for nearly 55% of the total.
Surviving Trade Policy Shifts: Noted trade attorney Milla Kasulke of Squire Patton Boggs (SPB) reviewed the latest intelligence and uncertainties surrounding U.S. and global tariffs. The group had a lot to talk about, with executives sharing their concerns, hopes, and ideas on how the industry might adjust, and where engagement with the administration could be helpful.
Anticipating Tax Reform: Finally, former House Ways and Means Committee Staff Director David Stewart and Michael Hawthorn of Squire Patton Boggs examined the high stakes of the intensifying tax policy debate and the implications for EMS businesses. With more than $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and revenue raisers set to expire at the end of 2025, participants commented on which aspects of the tax law present the most opportunities and risks for their businesses.

The next day, participants went to Capitol Hill to educate lawmakers on the importance of supporting a strong and resilient domestic electronics ecosystem. Over the course of a packed day, IPC members met with 15 congressional offices including about a dozen senators and representatives, the House Ways and Means Committee, and the House Republican Conference. Altogether, industry leaders had the opportunity to voice concerns, build relationships, and shape IPC’s advocacy agenda.

The event was also an opportunity for great collaboration between various IPC staff and departments. Special thanks go to Dave Bergman, Thiago Guimaraes, Chris Mitchell, Nyron Rouse, and Mark Wolfe, as well as Jim Will of the U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics.

If you have any interest in helping IPC promote the industry’s agenda with your elected officials, we invite you to join our ongoing efforts. The IPC Government Relations (GR) Team advocates for you full-time, but our success depends on active feedback and participation from attentive people like you! It really makes a difference.

If you’re interested in helping us advocate for the electronics manufacturing industry, I invite you to reach out to me to learn more. If you haven’t done so already, you can also subscribe to the weekly IPC Global Advocacy Report; peruse our Advocacy pages on IPC.org; and follow any of us on LinkedIn.

Registration Open for Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE) 2025

Feb 21, 2025

Registration is now open for the Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE), to be held at Baird Center May 6-8, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wis.

Produced by the Wiring Harness Manufacturer’s Association (WHMA) and IPC, EWPTE is the only trade show exclusively representing the cable and wire harness manufacturing industry, including manufacturers, suppliers, and customers.

With a show floor featuring the industry’s leading suppliers and product innovators, attendees will get exclusive access to new technologies and suppliers to help find solutions to challenging wire problems. There will also be a range of professional development courses with content designed to deliver new information, skills, and techniques related to the cable and wire harness industry.

Technical conference sessions presented by engineers, researchers, academics, technical experts, and industry leaders will provide new technical data and significant results from experiments and case studies and share new techniques and trends of interest. Attendees can also use networking opportunities to connect with industry leaders and subject matter experts.

Brian Schneider, an engineering manager for routed systems at Harley-Davidson Motor Company, will present this year’s keynote address, “Modern Technology Meets Legacy: Harley Davidson’s Wire Harness Integration,” on Wednesday, May 7. Schneider will provide insight into the technology advancements of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the impacts of wire harness construction, and how Harley-Davidson integrates advanced wire harness technology to meet modern customer demands while preserving the iconic look, sound, and feel that define the brand.

“We welcome attendees from all career stages to EWPTE, where they can learn the latest information about wire harnessing on the show floor, through courses, technical conference sessions, peer-to-peer networking opportunities, and events with exhibitors,” said Parker Garrett, WHMA Board Chair. “Participants at EWPTE will be able to transform the ideas and innovations gained during the event into tangible, real-world solutions and business opportunities.”

For more information on EWPTE, including full descriptions of educational content technical conference sessions or to register, visit www.electricalwireshow.com.

Electronics Industry Demand Rises in February

IPC releases February 2025 Global Sentiment of the Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain report

Feb 21, 2025

Orders, capacity utilization, and backlogs all increased in the past month, pushing electronics industry demand higher according to IPC’s February Sentiment of the Global Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain Report. The Demand Index is at its highest level since May 2024. Profit margins remain under pressure, but the Profit Margin Index has risen for the second consecutive month.

Though labor and material costs continue to rise and labor challenges persist as labor markets remain tight, the outlook for shipments, orders, backlogs and capacity utilization is expected to improve, reflecting strong optimism.

In response to special questions regarding companies pulling forward shipments as a result of the potential risk of tariffs, about 65 percent of manufacturers report they are not pulling forward shipments due to tariff risks, though 18 percent are adjusting less than 10 percent of shipments. “The majority of electronics manufacturers are maintaining their current shipment schedules, opting not to expedite deliveries despite potential tariff implications,” said Shawn DuBravac, Ph.D., IPC chief economist and report author. When asked about shipping surcharges 72 percent of respondents stated they have not experienced shipping surcharges beyond expectations, and 70 percent do not anticipate new surcharges in the next 60 days.

Additional survey data show:

Nearly three-fifths (56 percent) of electronics manufacturers are currently experiencing rising labor costs, with half (50 percent) reporting rising material costs.
Labor and material costs remain elevated across all regions, with the highest diffusion index in North America.
The ease of recruiting skilled labor remains a persistent challenge across all markets and has worsened in the past month.

These results are based upon the findings of IPC’s Current State of Electronics Manufacturing Survey, fielded between January 16 and January 31, 2025.

Read the full report.

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