BANG KADI, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND -- SVI Public Co. and China Circuit Technology (Shantou) have agreed to a joint venture here where the two companies will build printed circuit boards. The JV, which is 75% owned by SVI, will produce multilayer and high‑density interconnect PCBs.
The firms are investing a combined 1.60 billion baht (about 48 million) in the JV, called Advanced Interconnection Technology Company Ltd.
A combination of company cash flow and bank loans are being used to finance the development.
NEEDHAM, MA - Global smartphone shipments rose 1.5% year-over-year to 304.9 million units in the first quarter, according to preliminary data from IDC. The industry’s performance matched expectations, with manufacturers accelerating output to sidestep anticipated US tariff increases on Chinese imports.
IDC expects continued volatility in 2025 as companies face strategic choices in an unstable trade environment.
“The looming threat of tariffs drove vendors to front-load shipments, especially into the US,” said Francisco Jeronimo, VP of Client Devices. “This created an artificial boost that outpaced normal demand.”
Although the US government has temporarily paused tariffs on smartphone imports from China, uncertainty continues to cloud the outlook.
“This pause offers short-term relief, but long-term reliance on China’s supply chain remains a major risk,” said Ryan Reith, group VP of device trackers. He added that US brands should maximize the exemption window by shipping aggressively, though softer consumer demand could still emerge.
US shipments rose over 5%, driven by preemptive buying before potential price hikes. “The pause could also drive quarter two sales as consumers move to buy before tariffs return,” said Anthony Scarsella, research director.
Chinese government subsidies for devices under CNY6,000 ($820) boosted domestic sales, especially for mid-range brands. Samsung led the global market with 60.6 million units shipped, followed by Apple at 57.9 million—its strongest Q1 ever. Apple’s gains were tied to global stockpiling ahead of tariffs, though its Chinese sales lagged due to exclusion from subsidies. Xiaomi and Vivo saw growth in China, while OPPO slipped due to weaker international performance.
LAS VEGAS – CB Tech has acquired Phoenix-based Reliable Circuits, expanding its inhouse capabilities to include advanced circuit board design, production, and assembly. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The move strengthens the water filtration firm’s supply chain and supports innovation in electronically controlled systems, CB Tech said in a press statement.
Reliable Circuits is a longtime supplier to CB Tech and serves other sectors including traffic management and aviation equipment. Following the deal, it will continue operating in Phoenix under CB Tech’s leadership.
“This partnership shows our commitment to providing topnotch water filtration solutions and highlights our dedication to supporting our affiliates, vendors, and customers around the globe,” said Zachary Rice, president, CB Tech.
Philip Carlson, production manager at Reliable Circuits, added, “Joining forces with CB Tech presents a great opportunity for growth and innovation. We look forward to the opportunities ahead and the role Reliable Circuits will play in CB Tech’s continued success.”
PEACHTREE CITY, GA – April 16, 2025 – Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA) announced today that Rick Hartley will be joining the lineup of speakers for the free sessions on April 30 at PCB East. Hartley, retired from L-3 Avionics as a senior principal engineer and owner of RHartley Enterprises, is the most popular speaker in the history of the PCEA technical conferences and will speak on copper pours on PCB signal layers. Registrants for the PCB East exhibition will gain access to six free technical sessions taking place at the Boxboro Regency Hotel and Conference Center in Boxborough, MA. Topics will cover AI and PCB design, flex design, simulation, UHDI, PCB signal layers, and more.
“Free Wednesday” starts with a session on “AI and Other Upcoming Changes in PCB Design,” by Matthew Leary, founder and president of Newgrange Design.
After Leary’s presentation, Stephen Chavez, senior product marketing manager of Siemens and PCEA chairman, will speak about “Exploring the World of Ultra-High-Density Interconnect (UHDI) PCB Design.”
The morning sessions will conclude with a session about “Copper Pours on PCB Signal Layers” presented by Hartley.
After Hartley’s session, lunch will be available on the exhibit floor, which is free to all show registrants.
Free sessions resume in the afternoon with three sessions:
Simulation vs. Reality - Analyze What You Will Really Build
Why Do You Need to Care about Tin Whiskers in High-Reliability Electronics?
Basics of Flex Design
Following the free sessions is a reception on the exhibition floor sponsored by Cofactr and EMA Design Automation, and a PCB design community meetup to end the day.
Anyone who registers at pcbeast.com for the exhibition and free sessions by April 29 will receive free admission. Day of show registration for the exhibition and free sessions is $25.
TORONTO – Firan Technology Group posted first-quarter revenue of C$42.9 million ($31.8 million), up 23% from the previous year.
Adjusted net earnings rose 214% to C$3.3 million ($2.4M), while adjusted EBITDA nearly doubled to C$8.4 million. Bookings surged 37% to $51.5 M, pushing backlogs to $142.5 million.
Capital expenditures for the quarter totaled C$6.6 million. Business highlights included the acquisition of FLYHT Aerospace and a contract win with De Havilland Canada.
WILMINGTON, DL - DuPont today announced Jon Kemp, president, DuPont Electronics & Industrial will be the chief executive and a member of the board of directors for the future independent electronics public company that will be created following its intended spinoff from DuPont.
