New Global Electronics Association Report Examines FCC Router Restrictions and Supply Chain Challenges

The Global Electronics Association today released a new report, “Routers, Restrictions, and Reality: The FCC’s Latest Supply Chain Curveball,” examining the Federal Communications Commission’s March 2026 decision to add all foreign-produced consumer routers to its Covered List.

The report explores the potential impact of the decision on manufacturers, retailers, broadband providers, and consumers, with a particular focus on supply chains, domestic manufacturing capacity, product availability, pricing, and the rollout of next-generation technologies such as Wi‑Fi 7.

The analysis finds that nearly all consumer routers and key networking components are currently produced or assembled outside the United States. It also notes that router supply chains have already shifted significantly away from China toward countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Taiwan, but that building comparable domestic manufacturing capacity in the United States would require years of investment in facilities, supplier networks, and workforce development.

Key findings from the report include:

  • More than 100 million consumer routers are currently in active use in the United States.
  • Roughly 70% of U.S. households receive their router or gateway from their broadband provider.
  • Virtually no consumer routers sold in the United States are manufactured entirely domestically.
  • Domestic manufacturing buildout would likely require years of investment, supplier development, and workforce expansion.
  • Chinese-origin imports accounted for only 1.1% of the total U.S. router import value in 2025, according to government data, despite perceptions that China dominates the market.

The full report is available here: Global-Electronics-Association-routers-report26.pdf.  

Global Electronics Association Releases 2026 European EMS Report and Assumes Responsibility for in4ma's European EMS and PCB Data Programs

Association publishes latest European EMS market findings and carries forward the pioneering work of Dieter G. Weiss and in4ma—with Weiss's continued partnership and counsel

 

The Global Electronics Association today released the "Annual Survey of the European EMS Industry 2026" and announced it is assuming management and publication of the in4ma European EMS and PCB statistical programs. The report is the first edition produced under the Association's expanded research operation, marking a new chapter that builds directly on the distinguished body of work Dieter G. Weiss and Michael Gasch created over many decades.

Key Findings: European EMS Market in 2025

The 2025 survey—covering 397 companies representing nearly 31% of total European EMS production—reports a 2.9% revenue decline. Countries with a strong automotive focus (Austria, France, Germany) saw the steepest drops; the Baltics, Poland, the Balkans, and the Nordics proved more resilient. Headcount fell 3.9% on average (3,445 jobs), with most reductions in Western Europe following 2024 cuts in the East.

Segment outlook:

  • Industrial electronics show early recovery signals
  • Automotive electronics remain largely flat
  • Smart home, lighting, and building electronics improved moderately
  • Aerospace and defense demand is rising but partly stays in-house at OEMs

Profitability stabilized or improved for many companies despite lower revenues. Sentiment for 2026 points to modest improvement, not a strong rebound, with European growth expected to trail Asia's 20%+ annual expansion.

The full report is available on the Global Electronics Association online store. All individual company submissions remain strictly confidential; the published analysis contains only aggregated figures and publicly disclosed data. The full report is complimentary to companies who participated in the survey.

European EMS and PCB Data Programs Transition to Association

The European EMS market statistics were conceived, designed, and continuously refined by Weiss and his team at in4ma. Over a long and distinguished career in research and analysis of the European electronics industry, Weiss built the continent's most authoritative source of EMS market data—a resource that hundreds of companies depend on for strategic planning. In 2024, Weiss Engineering also assumed responsibility for the European PCB statistics under the Data4PCB brand, following the unexpected passing of founder Michael Gasch.

With the publication of this year's report, responsibility for both programs formally transfers to the Association, which is committed to honoring the methodological rigor Weiss established while providing institutional backing and global reach to sustain and expand these programs. Within the Association, these data programs will be led by Munich-based Christoph Solka. 

“A robust market statistics program for Europe must be independent of individuals to ensure continuity, said Weiss. “Accordingly, I reached an agreement with the Global Electronics Association last year to embed this program within a larger organization.”

“Sustained visibility into Europe’s EMS market has always depended on disciplined methodology and long-term trust, elements in4ma built exceptionally well. By bringing these programs into the Global Electronics Association, we are preserving continuity while materially expanding the dataset’s reach, frequency, and analytical depth. With Dieter Weiss continuing as an advisor, we are ensuring the integrity of the underlying model remains intact,” said Sanjay Huprikar, the Association’s chief global officer. “The Global Electronics Association is scaling a more integrated industry intelligence capability that is connecting regional data to global end-market signals and supply chain dynamics.”   

What’s Moving Markets (and Orbit): Three Must-Reads

Apr 08, 2026
Key Summary:
  • Global trade is being reconfigured: Electronics sits at the center of shifting trade flows, with semiconductors and data infrastructure driving growth while supply chains diversify beyond China toward ASEAN and India.
  • Sustainability compliance is going global: Asia is rapidly expanding lifecycle-based regulations, signaling a more complex, multi-region compliance environment for electronics companies.
  • Manufacturing is pushing beyond Earth: New ventures in in-orbit production point to the early stages of a space-based manufacturing ecosystem tied to renewed lunar missions.
  • Strategic agility is now essential: Across trade, regulation, and innovation, companies must balance long-term planning with flexibility to remain competitive.

by Carrie Sessine, chief communications officer, Global Electronics Association 

Three reads worth your time this week. Global trade continues to shift, sustainability compliance is expanding beyond Europe, and manufacturing is reaching new frontiers – literally! A lot is moving in our industry right now, and these pieces help connect the dots.

You’ve heard from the Association: Trade is being redrawn and electronics is at the center of it. Semiconductors and data-center equipment alone accounted for one-third of global trade growth, while U.S. imports from China in consumer electronics declined as ASEAN and India gained share in smartphones and laptops. McKinsey’s takeaway: long-term thinking coupled with agility is what companies need most right now. Spot on as we talk about the need for strategic interdependence to ensure supply chain resilience. Worth a read for the big picture.

Sustainability regulation isn't just a European story anymore. China, Vietnam, South Korea, and Taiwan are all introducing obligations for electronics that cover the full product lifecycle — from design and storage through repair, recycling, and information disclosure. The compliance landscape in Asia is moving fast. Good reading for anyone navigating global markets.

Full disclosure, I wanted to be an astronaut as a kid. Still do, a little. With Artemis II capturing the world's attention this week as the first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit in decades, this article is a must-share. Emerging from stealth is the startup Dispatch that seeks to build an uncrewed space station hosting manufacturing infrastructure on orbit, with reentry vehicles ferrying payloads to and from Earth. Their pitch is simple and smart: "If you're going to be manufacturing in space at scale, why launch the factory every single time?" With humans heading back to the Moon, this may enable the commercial infrastructure of space to be built alongside it. 

North American PCB Market Jumps 17.6% in February, Strong Shipments Offset Mixed Booking Trends

The Global Electronics Association releases PCB industry results for February 2026

The Global Electronics Association announced today the February 2026 findings from its North American Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.08.

Total North American PCB shipments in February 2026were up 17.6% compared to the same month last year. Compared to the preceding month, February shipments were up 5.1%. February's year-to-date (YTD) shipments increased by 13.9% year-over-year (YOY).

PCB bookings in February were down 4.3% compared to the same month last year. February bookings were up 40.7% compared to the preceding month. February’s YTD bookings decreased 10.8% compared to the same period last year.

"The U.S. PCB sector has started the year with strong shipments to meet existing demand, but with YTD shipments up nearly 14% and bookings down nearly 11%, the industry is drawing down backlogs faster than it's replenishing them,” said Dr. Shawn DuBravac, Global Electronics Association’s chief economist.

February 2026 PCB book to bill ratio chart

Detailed Data Available

Companies that participate in the Global Electronics Association’s North American PCB Statistical Program have access to detailed findings on rigid PCB and flexible circuit sales and orders, including separate rigid and flex book-to-bill ratios, growth trends by product types and company size tiers, demand for prototypes, sales growth to military and medical markets, and other timely data.

Interpreting the Data

The book-to-bill ratios are calculated by dividing the value of orders booked over the past three months by the value of sales billed during the same period from companies in the Global Electronics Association’s survey sample. A ratio of more than 1.00 suggests that current demand is ahead of supply, which is a positive indicator for sales growth over the next three to 12 months. A ratio of less than 1.00 indicates the reverse.

Year-on-year and year-to-date growth rates provide the most meaningful view of industry growth. Month-to-month comparisons should be made with caution as they reflect seasonal effects and short-term volatility. Because bookings tend to be more volatile than shipments, changes in the book-to-bill ratios from month to month might not be significant unless a trend of more than three consecutive months is apparent. It is also important to consider changes in both bookings and shipments to understand what is driving changes in the book-to-bill ratio.

The Global Electronics Association’s monthly PCB industry statistics are based on data provided by a representative sample of both rigid PCB and flexible circuit manufacturers selling in the USA and Canada. The Association publishes the PCB book-to-bill ratio by the end of each month.

North American EMS Industry Surges in February as Shipments Jump 7.6 Percent

The Global Electronics Association releases EMS industry results for February 2026

The Global Electronics Association announced today the February 2026 findings from its North American Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.32.

Total North American EMS shipments in February 2026 were up 7.6% compared to the same month last year. Compared to the preceding month, February shipments were up 7.1%. February’s year-to-date (YTD) shipments increased by 3.9% year-over-year (YOY).

EMS bookings in February increased 1.7% year-over-year and increased 19.1% from the previous month. February’s YTD bookings decreased by 0.7% compared to the same period last year.

“The EMS book-to-bill for February is a strong indicator that demand is pulling ahead of production. Manufacturers are building backlog and should have better visibility and more confident production planning in the months ahead,” said Dr. Shawn DuBravac, Global Electronics Association’s chief economist. 

February 2026 EMS book to bill ratio chart

Detailed Data Available

Companies that participate in the Global Electronics Association’s North American EMS Statistical Program have access to detailed findings on EMS sales growth by type of production and company size tier, order growth and backlogs by company size tier, vertical market growth, the EMS book-to-bill ratio, 3-month and 12-month sales outlooks, and other timely data.

Interpreting the Data

The book-to-bill ratios are calculated by dividing the value of orders booked over the past three months by the value of sales billed during the same period from companies in the Global Electronics Association’s survey sample. A ratio of more than 1.00 suggests that current demand is ahead of supply, which is a positive indicator for sales growth over the next three to 12 months. A ratio of less than 1.00 indicates the reverse.

Year-on-year and year-to-date growth rates provide the most meaningful view of industry growth. Month-to-month comparisons should be made with caution as they reflect seasonal effects and short-term volatility. Because bookings tend to be more volatile than shipments, changes in the book-to-bill ratios from month to month might not be significant unless a trend of more than three consecutive months is apparent. It is also important to consider changes in both bookings and shipments to understand what is driving changes in the book-to-bill ratio.

The Global Electronics Association’s monthly EMS industry statistics are based on data provided by a representative sample of assembly equipment manufacturers selling in the USA and Canada. The Association publishes the EMS book-to-bill ratio by the end of each month.

Can We Reshape PCB Quality? Perhaps with Automated Micro-Sectioning

Apr 07, 2026

Insights from the Technology Pavilion at APEX EXPO 2026 

KEY SUMMARY

Automated micro-sectioning is transforming PCB quality measurement by replacing manual inspection with data-driven metrology. Insights from APEX EXPO 2026 highlight how faster analysis, correlated metrology, and 3D reconstruction improve defect detection, reduce cycle time, and enable smarter manufacturing decisions.

At APEX EXPO 2026, one discussion focused on a foundational issue: how the electronics industry measures PCB quality and how much actionable insight that process can deliver.

In “Automated Spatial Micro-Sectioning: Advancing Metallography and Correlated Metrology,” Geoffrey Leeds of SCAN Laboratories outlined a shift from traditional, manual inspection toward automated, data-driven metrology. The implications span fabrication, supplier validation, and design-for-manufacturing, and use results in:

  • Reduced cycle time
  • Improved readability
  • Faster corrective action

Micro-sectioning is still a cornerstone of PCB validation, providing cross-sectional evidence of plating integrity, microvia structures, and hole quality. But the process is slow, labor-intensive, and highly dependent on operator skill. Conventional workflows --  manual grinding, polishing, imaging, and interpretation -- introduce variability and can delay results by days or weeks. As interconnect density increases and reliability margins tighten, these constraints are becoming more pronounced.

Micro-sectioning is not a lab task; it’s a data pipeline.

Leeds presented an automated workflow in operation at SCAN Laboratories that standardizes grinding, polishing, imaging, etching, registration, and reporting, while retaining expert oversight for validation. The system is compatible with existing IPC test coupons, allowing adoption without redesigning panels or sampling strategies, an important consideration for cost and process continuity.

A notable advantage is the speed and accessibility of data. Results can be generated and shared in near real time, enabling engineers to begin analysis before the full process is complete. This shortens the feedback loop between defect detection and corrective action.

Central to the approach is “correlated metrology”: integrating multiple measurement perspectives to improve confidence in results. While common in semiconductor manufacturing, this method is less mature in PCB fabrication. By tying cross-section images to the exact board location and AOI record, teams confirm they’re measuring the same feature across modalities, boosting confidence and speeding root-cause analysis.

The presentation also highlighted serialized microscopy and 3D reconstruction. Instead of analyzing a single cross-section, sequential imaging enables volumetric reconstruction of structures. This allows evaluation of geometry, alignment, and interactions across the entire feature, not just at a single slice. For advanced designs with tight tolerances and complex failure modes, this shift from 2D inspection to 3D insight is significant.

Insights and improved outcomes from the data

When micro-sectioning outputs are digitized and integrated into engineering workflows, they become a source of manufacturing intelligence rather than static reports. This supports faster design validation, improved process control across facilities, more effective supplier oversight, and stronger root cause analysis.

As the industry invests in automation and smart manufacturing, metrology will remain a strategic capability. Automated micro-sectioning addresses a clear need: reducing variability, increasing throughput, and transforming inspection into usable data.

The trajectory is clear. The future of PCB manufacturing will depend not only on what can be built, but on how precisely and how intelligently it can be measured.

 

PCB Market Enters 2026 With Diverging Signals: Shipments Rise, Bookings Contract

Global Electronics Association releases January 2026 PCB industry results

The Global Electronics Association announced today the January 2026 findings from its North American Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Statistical Program.  

North American PCB results for January were mixed. Shipments rose 9.1% sequentially from December but started the year down on a year-over-year basis. Bookings were the softer story, falling 15% from December and dropping 16.5% year-over-year, a notable pullback after a stronger close to 2025. 

The three-month book-to-bill held at 1.09, keeping the trend technically in expansion territory, though the divergence between the monthly and three-month reads is worth watching. The three-month moving averages remain positive on both shipments and bookings, suggesting momentum remains positive and the broader trend has not reversed, but January's demand signal is a cautionary note heading into the quarter. 

"January's PCB results reflect a market where shipments are holding up, but the demand signal is flashing caution,” said Dr. Shawn DuBravac, Global Electronics Association’s chief economist. “With bookings dropping sharply from December and the one-month ratio below parity, the next few months will tell us whether this is a pause or the start of a softer trend.” 

January 2026 North American PCB book to bill ratio chart

Detailed Data Available 

Companies that participate in the Global Electronics Association’s North American PCB Statistical Program have access to detailed findings on rigid PCB and flexible circuit sales and orders, including separate rigid and flex book-to-bill ratios, growth trends by product types and company size tiers, demand for prototypes, sales growth to military and medical markets, and other timely data. 

Interpreting the Data 

The book-to-bill ratios are calculated by dividing the value of orders booked over the past three months by the value of sales billed during the same period from companies in the Global Electronics Association’s survey sample. A ratio of more than 1.00 suggests that current demand is ahead of supply, which is a positive indicator for sales growth over the next three to 12 months. A ratio of less than 1.00 indicates the reverse. 

Year-on-year and year-to-date growth rates provide the most meaningful view of industry growth. Month-to-month comparisons should be made with caution as they reflect seasonal effects and short-term volatility. Because bookings tend to be more volatile than shipments, changes in the book-to-bill ratios from month to month might not be significant unless a trend of more than three consecutive months is apparent. It is also important to consider changes in both bookings and shipments to understand what is driving changes in the book-to-bill ratio. 

The Global Electronics Association’s monthly PCB industry statistics are based on data provided by a representative sample of both rigid PCB and flexible circuit manufacturers selling in the USA and Canada. The Association publishes the PCB book-to-bill ratio by the end of each month. 

Unintentional Antennas and Their Role in EMC Problems

Date
-

Why do electronics fail EMC testing, usually radiated emissions, when they don't have any antennas on board--or at least no antennas for below 500 MHz?

This interactive, virtual event will explain the main ways that cables and boards can act like antennas even though they're not designed to radiate. We'll discuss the two main radiating mechanisms and how they manifest in electronics hardware. Cables and split planes will get the most attention. We'll also include a live hardware demo that shows how these interactions play out in real life.

 

Karen Burnham

Speaker Bio:

Karen Burnham has worked in and around the aerospace, defense, automotive, and broader consulting world since 1996. She has a BS in Physics, an MS in Electrical Engineering, and a talent for translating EMC to English. She has managed requirements and test planning for NASA, the Dream Chaser spaceship, and others. She has done troubleshooting on electric vehicles for Ford Motor Company and others. She has initiated innovative SBIRs and STTRs through government centers and worked on classified programs. She has consulted on projects across a wide range of industries and sits on multiple international standards committees, which have led to her current role as Vice President of Standards for the IEEE EMC Society.

Ms. Burnham founded EMC United, Inc. in 2024 to help companies and hardware designers solve EMC problems, ideally before they even start. She believes that, far from being black magic, EMC can be understandable (and even fun!), and she hopes to spread that passion more widely. 
 

 

 


 

North American EMS Market Opens 2026 on Soft Note as Momentum Cools

The Global Electronics Association releases EMS industry results for January 2026

The Global Electronics Association announced today the January 2026 findings from its North American Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Statistical Program.  

January 2026 came in soft on both sides of the ledger. Shipments were essentially flat year-over-year (+0.1%) and fell sharply from December. Bookings were down 3.3% year-over-year and dropped 24.8% from a strong December close. 

January's results point to a building backlog, as shipments trailed December's bookings by a notable margin. The three-month book-to-bill held steady at 1.25, indicating the underlying trend remains in expansion territory, but the monthly read warrants watching. The three-month moving averages for both shipments (-3.7%) and bookings (-3.5%) are running negative, pointing to a softening in momentum. 

“January's results reflect a market catching its breath after a strong close to 2025. Fundamentals remain intact, but the demand signal is muted,” said Dr. Shawn DuBravac, Global Electronics Association’s chief economist. “Even with shipments slightly below last year’s pace, the firming demand environment suggests a sector that is moving into better balance.” 

January 2026 North American EMS book to bill ratio chart

Detailed Data Available 

Companies that participate in the Global Electronics Association’s North American EMS Statistical Program have access to detailed findings on EMS sales growth by type of production and company size tier, order growth and backlogs by company size tier, vertical market growth, the EMS book-to-bill ratio, 3-month and 12-month sales outlooks, and other timely data. 

Interpreting the Data 

The book-to-bill ratios are calculated by dividing the value of orders booked over the past three months by the value of sales billed during the same period from companies in the Global Electronics Association’s survey sample. A ratio of more than 1.00 suggests that current demand is ahead of supply, which is a positive indicator for sales growth over the next three to 12 months. A ratio of less than 1.00 indicates the reverse. 

Year-on-year and year-to-date growth rates provide the most meaningful view of industry growth. Month-to-month comparisons should be made with caution as they reflect seasonal effects and short-term volatility. Because bookings tend to be more volatile than shipments, changes in the book-to-bill ratios from month to month might not be significant unless a trend of more than three consecutive months is apparent. It is also important to consider changes in both bookings and shipments to understand what is driving changes in the book-to-bill ratio. 

The Global Electronics Association’s monthly EMS industry statistics are based on data provided by a representative sample of assembly equipment manufacturers selling in the USA and Canada. The Association publishes the EMS book-to-bill ratio by the end of each month. 

Global Electronics Association Announces New Board Members at APEX EXPO 2026

Board additions reinforce expertise across the electronics ecosystem

At the 69th Global Electronics Association Annual Meeting on March 17, held in conjunction with APEX EXPO 2026, the Association’s Board of Directors announced new officers and first-term members. Board officers serve a two-year term; board members serve a three-year term, and the student board member serves a one-year term.

The Association’s new Board Members:

  • Ben Gliklich, CEO, Element Solutions
  • Lynn Torrel, Vice President, Sales Enablement, Arrow Electronics
  • Gao Lan, Chief Human Resources Officer, Senior Vice President, Lenovo 

Student Board Member:

  • Aubrey Smith, Chapter President, University of Georgia, participant in the Association’s Emerging Engineer Program

The newly elected Board Officers:

  • Board Chair: Peter Cleveland, Senior Vice President, TSMC
  • Board Vice-Chair: Paul Baldassari, President, Manufacturing and Services, Flex
  • Board Secretary and Treasurer: Greg Maxwell, Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems

“The electronics ecosystem is evolving rapidly, and our Board helps ensure we stay tightly aligned with that pace of change,” said John W. Mitchell, president and CEO of the Global Electronics Association.  “Their perspective informs how we support innovation across the value chain, supporting our programs, standards, and training that deliver tangible value to our members.”

Newly appointed Board Chair Peter Cleveland of TSMC emphasized the importance of collective leadership at a pivotal moment for the industry. “This is a time when resilience, collaboration, and innovation across the electronics supply chain have never been more critical,” he said. “I look forward to working with this Board to strengthen our global ecosystem, support our members, and help shape the future of electronics manufacturing.”

In addition to Board election announcements, the Association honored the contributions of three outgoing Board Members:

  • Bob Neves, Chairman/CTO, Reliability Assessment Solutions, Inc., for 14 years of board service. Neves is a recipient of the Hall of Fame, the President's, and the Deiter Bergman Awards. He has chaired dozens of committees, including those focused on Rigid Boards and HDI.
  • Tom Edman, the former CEO of TTM Technologies, now on the Board for TTM and Jabil, served the Association for 10 years and was instrumental in expanding its global foundation for standards development while also strengthening key areas such as workforce development, policy representation, sustainability, and design. He remains on the Global Electronics Association Executive Committee as Immediate Past Chair. 
  • Emily Daley, a May 2026 graduate candidate at Michigan Technological University. In addition to serving as the Student Board Member, she participated in the Association’s Emerging Engineer Program.  

John Mitchell stated," The Association extends its heartfelt gratitude to Bob and Emily for their dedicated service to the Board and the industry. We thank them for their invaluable guidance, which has enabled us to better serve our members and the global electronics community.”

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