A new report from the Global Electronics Association, “Powering the U.S. Economy: The Economic Reach of Electronics Manufacturing,” finds that U.S. electronics manufacturing remains a powerful engine of economic growth and resilience—supporting 5.2 million American jobs, contributing $853 billion to U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), and generating $1.8 trillion in total economic output.

Amid slowing global growth, rising tariffs, and persistent inflation, the report highlights how electronics manufacturing is a key anchor of the U.S. economy—driving innovation, sustaining high-wage employment, and strengthening the supply chains that underpin national security and global competitiveness.

“At a time when global supply chains are being reshaped by trade policy and geopolitical pressures, U.S. electronics manufacturing continues to power the economy and strengthen our resilience,” said John W. Mitchell, President and CEO of the Global Electronics Association. “Strengthening the electronics industry is essential to America’s economic future. In an era of uncertainty, our members are proving that strategic investment and skilled talent can shift volatility toward stability.”

The industry directly employs 1.3 million Americans, offering average annual wages of $156,000—more than 20 percent above the broader manufacturing sector. These high-skill roles span design, fabrication, assembly, and testing, reflecting the industry’s deep integration into the nation’s innovation ecosystem. Yet a persistent shortage of skilled workers continues to constrain growth and threatens the long-term competitiveness of U.S. electronics manufacturing.

Electronics manufacturing’s influence extends well beyond the factory floor:

• Global trade in electronic components exceeded finished goods by $408 billion in 2023, underscoring the industry’s pivotal role in international supply networks.
• Every dollar of direct output generates $2.25 in total economic activity.
• Each direct job supports three additional jobs across the U.S. economy.
• Indirect impacts add 1.68 million jobs and $532 billion in additional output, demonstrating the sector’s deep interconnection with suppliers, logistics, and professional services.

The report finds that the industry’s footprint is national in scope but concentrated in key high-tech hubs:

• California leads with 260,000 direct jobs and $364 billion in total output, powered by its combination of design leadership and fabrication capacity.
• Texas supports more than 330,000 total jobs across semiconductor, defense, and communications technologies.
• Oregon, Massachusetts, and New York continue to anchor specialized clusters in semiconductor fabrication and precision instruments.

Call to Action: Invest in Workforce, Modernization, and Partnerships

While America’s electronics industry remains a powerful driver of innovation and economic growth, decades of offshoring has created significant vulnerabilities. To ensure the United States remains at the forefront of designing and manufacturing advanced technologies, the Global Electronics Association calls on policymakers to advance a bold, government–industry partnership focused on:

• Workforce Investment: Develop and sustain a next-generation workforce capable of supporting advanced manufacturing and systems-level innovation.
• Infrastructure Modernization: Upgrade the physical and digital infrastructure essential for state-of-the-art PCB fabrication and electronic assembly.
• Strategic Supply-Chain Partnerships: Strengthen and diversify U.S. supply chains to safeguard national security and enable domestic manufacturers to compete globally.

“Electronics manufacturing is the connective tissue of the modern economy,” said Chris Mitchell, Vice President of Government Relations for the Global Electronics Association. “When U.S. policymakers invest in our people, infrastructure, and supply chains, they reinforce the foundation of America’s long-term competitiveness.”

For the full report, visit: https://go.electronics.org/-economic-impact-25

The Global Electronics Association announced today the September 2025 findings from its North American Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 0.92.

Total North American PCB shipments in September 2025 were up 32% compared to the same month last year. Compared to the preceding month, September shipments were down 7.8%. September's year-to-date (YTD) shipments increased by 10.5% year-over-year (YOY).

PCB bookings in September were up 1.8% compared to the same month last year. September bookings were down 1.6% compared to the preceding month. September’s YTD bookings increased 13.1% compared to the same period last year.

“Production in September strengthened as factories cleared backlogs and met steady demand, while orders eased into a more sustainable range,” said Dr. Shawn DuBravac, Global Electronics Association’s chief economist. “Data center investments, especially around AI infrastructure, continue to provide an important floor for demand.”

North American PCB activity in September shows output firming while order growth cools. The 3-month book-to-bill printed 0.92 and the 1-month ratio improved to 0.94, signaling shipments continued to run ahead of bookings but the near-term gap narrowed. Month over month, shipments rose about 2.2% and bookings eased 1.6%. On a rolling 3-month basis, shipments increased roughly 1.8% while bookings declined about 4.1%, which is consistent with a digestion phase after earlier strength. Year over year, shipments advanced about 32% and bookings were up roughly 1.8%. Year to date, shipments are tracking +10.5% and bookings +13.1%, indicating 2025 remains solidly ahead of last year.

Manufacturers appear to be converting prior commitments and improving throughput as supply conditions stabilize. Heading into Q4, the key watchpoints include the pace of new program awards, fiscal year-end timing effects, and the scale of ongoing AI infrastructure build-outs. If AI server capital spending remains on track, data center programs should help offset cyclical softness in other end markets, sustaining shipment levels and supporting margins through higher-value product mix. Provided bookings hold near current levels, backlog and mix should keep factory activity well supported through the end of the year.

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 surveys and publishes the PCB book-to-bill ratio monthly. 
 

The Global Electronics Association announced today the September 2025 findings from its North American Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.31.

Total North American EMS shipments in September 2025 were down 1.2% compared to the same month last year. Compared to the preceding month, September shipments were up 1.1%. September’s year-to-date (YTD) shipments decreased by 0.8% year-over-year (YOY).

EMS bookings in September decreased 3.2% year-over-year and decreased 10.9% from the previous month. September’s YTD bookings increased by 0.7% compared to the same period last year.
“September data show momentum consolidating in North America’s EMS sector,” said Dr. Shawn DuBravac, Global Electronics Association’s chief economist. “Conditions are stabilizing at a healthy level, pointing to sustainable growth heading into the final quarter of 2025.”

September results indicate the EMS market is settling into a steadier rhythm after several months of elevated activity. Bookings cooled from August’s peak but remained solid, showing that underlying demand continues to hold firm. Shipments edged higher as production throughput improved, suggesting manufacturers are finding better balance between order intake and delivery capacity.

The rise in the three-month book-to-bill ratio points to consistent demand strength, while the softer one-month figure reflects a natural recalibration following prior gains. Taken together, the data portray a market neither overheating nor contracting but maintaining a constructive pace of expansion. Supply conditions continue to improve, aided by greater labor availability and easing component pressures.

While shipment volumes are still running slightly behind last year, the gap continues to narrow. Booking trends on a year-to-date basis remain positive, indicating durable end-market demand and a supportive production pipeline heading into year-end.

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.
 

(Updated 11/25/2025 to include new speaker)

The Global Electronics Association announces its APEX EXPO keynote lineup, featuring industry titans who will explore the frontiers of quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and the electrification of global industries. Taking place March 16-19, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif., APEX EXPO offers attendees visionary insights into the technologies shaping the future of electronics and beyond.

Computing at the Quantum Advantage Frontier
David Lokken-Toyli, Principal Research Scientist, IBM Quantum

As quantum computing moves closer to realizing real-world applications, David Lokken-Toyli will examine IBM Quantum’s roadmap toward large-scale, error-corrected quantum computers and the hardware advances enabling this evolution. 

He will share how component manufacturers can play a pivotal role in the emerging quantum supply chain, offering a forward-looking perspective on collaboration opportunities for the electronics industry.

“Quantum computing represents one of the most exciting frontiers in modern technology—and the electronics community will be central to realizing its full potential,” said Lokken-Toyli. “Our progress depends on innovation at every level of the hardware ecosystem.”

Advanced Packaging: A Crucial Enabler for Heterogeneous Integration 
Ravi Mahajan, Intel Fellow and Director of Assembly and Packaging Technology Pathfinding

Heterogeneous Integration (HI) is a powerful and crucial enabler for the continued growth of computing and communication performance.  Advanced packaging technologies are critical enablers of HI because of their importance as compact, power-efficient platforms. 

Interest in HI research has increased in recent years, which opens up greater opportunities for collaboration between academia and industry.  A broad-scope roadmap of the future, generated as part of an industry-academic collaboration, will be discussed in this context to highlight the opportunities enabled by HI, with a focus on interconnect scaling and associated future directions and challenges.  

This talk will focus on the tremendous opportunities in various application environments and explore the projected evolution of advanced packaging architectures.  
 

The Next Renaissance 
Zack Kass, Futurist, Founder of ZK.AI Advisory & Former Head of Go-to-Market at OpenAI

AI is driving a new era of human and technological transformation. In this thought-provoking keynote, Zack Kass explores the parallels between the historical Renaissance and today’s AI-driven revolution, revealing how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, workforces, and the human experience itself.

Kass offers an optimistic view of AI’s potential for innovation, opportunity, and human advancement, while providing actionable strategies to help organizations harness its power responsibly and effectively.

“AI isn’t just changing the tools we use—it’s redefining what’s possible for humanity,” said Kass. “Leaders who embrace this transformation will be best positioned to shape the next great chapter of innovation.”
 

The Electronics Revolution: Powering Every Industry’s Future 
John W. Mitchell, President & CEO, Global Electronics Association

The $6 trillion global electronics industry powers innovation across nearly every sector, from AI and autonomous systems to precision agriculture, aerospace, and healthcare. 

Drawing on exclusive data and market intelligence, Mitchell will share bold predictions for the future, including the implications of AI, design advancements, and smart infrastructure. His keynote will deliver actionable insights for navigating supply chain complexity, fostering strategic interdependence, and seizing new growth opportunities.

“Our industry doesn’t just enable innovation—it drives the global economy,” said Mitchell. “To sustain that momentum, we must collaborate across borders and disciplines to strengthen our collective resilience and ensure long-term viability.”

To register for APEX EXPO and view full event details, visit APEXEXPO.org.

As negotiations over U.S.–Mexico trade policies near an October 29 deadline, the Global Electronics Association today released a new policy brief, "From Risk to Resilience: Why Mexico Matters to U.S. Manufacturing." The report warns that proposed 30% tariffs on electronics imports from Mexico would fracture North American supply chains, raise costs for U.S. manufacturers, and undermine efforts to reshore production and strengthen domestic competitiveness.

Authored by the Association’s Chief Economist, Shawn Dubravac, and the Industry Intelligence team, the report concludes that Mexico has developed into a full-fledged production hub within the North American ecosystem, drawing on a diversified global network of suppliers Data shows that Mexico’s imports from China have declined significantly since 2017, with sourcing shifting to Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, and the European Union

“Electronics manufacturing today depends on cross-border collaboration,” said Lorena Villanueva, director of the Global Electronics Association’s Mexico office. “Mexico has become an essential partner in strengthening North American manufacturing. Our supply chains are not competitors; they are collaborators. Policies that recognize this partnership will ensure both nations remain competitive in a rapidly changing global market.”

The Association emphasized that maintaining a strong trade partnership with Mexico is a top priority for manufacturers on both sides of the border. Many of its members report that U.S.–Mexico trade is their single most important policy issue.

The release of the report comes at a critical moment: the current extension for U.S.–Mexico trade negotiations expires on October 29, and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is accepting public comments on the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) through November 3. The Global Electronics Association will submit formal comments on behalf of the industry and plans to testify at the USTR’s public hearing on November 17.

“U.S.–Mexico trade isn’t just important—it’s indispensable to a resilient North American electronics ecosystem,” said Chris Mitchell, vice president of global government relations at the Global Electronics Association. “Boosting U.S. manufacturing and supporting Mexico’s industrial growth are two sides of the same coin.”

The report underscores that many electronics systems and components cross the U.S.–Mexico border multiple times before final assembly, reflecting deeply integrated supply chains that support competitiveness, jobs, and security across the region. Disrupting these flows with tariffs would drive up costs, slow delivery times, and threaten the survival of small and medium-sized manufacturers.

The Association urges policymakers to finalize a bilateral trade agreement that preserves tariff-free access, strengthens enforcement, and reinforces Mexico’s role as a co-builder of North American manufacturing resilience.

“Mexico’s manufacturing evolution is one of the clearest examples of nearshoring success,” the report concludes. “Protecting that progress is essential to the region’s economic stability and to building truly resilient supply chains.”

The full report, "From Risk to Resilience: Why Mexico Matters to U.S. Manufacturing," is available for download at https://go.electronics.org/-mexico-policy-brief.