BOSTON -- What various companies are saying about how the March 11 earthquake in Japan is affecting their production. Updates as of March 28.

SAN JOSE – The 90-day moving average orders for North America-based semiconductor equipment manufacturers rose 26.7% year-over-year in February, according to the industry's top trade group.

DUBLIN – The overall global printed circuit board software and services market, which was on a decline, is expected to see a surge in market growth. This can be attributed to the increase in the printed circuit boards market, Research and Markets says.

The printed circuit board software market is also witnessing a growing number of vendors, in addition to some mergers and acquisitions, according to the research firm.

The increasing number of layers and interconnect require the use of enhanced simulation tools, which in turn, increases the market for PCB software tools.

Increasing complexities of circuits has been a key driver for this market, the firm adds. However, the increasing costs and complexity could prove to pose challenges to market growth.

WASHINGTON, DC – Environmental groups urged the White House Council on Environmental Quality to issue a policy requiring federal agencies not be permitted to export used electronics to developing nations, say reports.

President Obama in November announced a new Interagency Task Force on Electronics Stewardship, led by the CEQ. He asked federal agencies to develop procedures for e-waste management.

The task force must conclude its work this May, when the White House will announce an e-waste policy.