ATLANTA – Positive developments in both economic progress and battling the pandemic have buoyed the manufacturing world, including participants in the electronics components supply chain, according to ECIA. The latest results of a survey on the Covid-19 impact reveal a renewed surge in supply chain health and optimism. However, many experts express concern about a possible pandemic resurgence as the Northern Hemisphere approaches the winter months.

“Analysis of the latest ECIA survey reveals a supply chain that has returned to its healthiest condition since early 2020,” said Dale Ford, chief analyst, ECIA. “This is true in almost every measure covered in this report. It has been one month since the last ECIA survey focused on the impact of Covid-19 on the electronics components supply chain. While the August survey responses across a range of measures showed a significant jump in concerns regarding the health of the electronics components supply chain, the September survey reports a complete reversal of that surge of concern. Measurements related to on-time delivery, strength of the end-markets and order backlogs, the health of each stage of the supply chain, etc. all show highly positive results. It appears the concentrated, collective management of the supply chain, building on a wealth of experience in managing previous crises, has enabled the electronics components industry to successfully navigate this uniquely challenging year.”

Many improving economic indicators continue to lend strength to the manufacturing sector. A recent Wall Street Journal report highlighted a return in global trade that is faster than expected.

“Global trade is rebounding much more quickly this year than it did after the 2008 financial crisis, lifting parts of the world economy and defying predictions the pandemic could send globalization into permanent retreat.”

IHS Markit shows 14 of 38 economies reporting growth in new export orders in August compared to just four in June, with many others trending in the right direction. In addition, major ports in China are surpassing 2019 shipments with increasing frequency, and South Korean exports were only 0.2% below the same period in the prior year for the first 10 days of September. As the electronics industry benefits from global trade, this report is a highly encouraging indicator, ECIA says.

PCB West Virtual 2020 has more than 125 hours’ worth of technical sessions on printed circuit design and manufacturing available through Oct. 12.  pcbwest.com 

• Prev
• Next