BOSTON -- In a startling announcement, federal prosecutors in Massachusetts have filed charges against three Chinese citizens and two component distributors for conspiring to violate US law by exporting military products to China.

TAIPEI --PCB shipments could reach their highest levels during the fourth quarter. Handset makers are reporting increased demand as first-tier vendors launch new products, says DigiTimes.

BANNOCKBURN, IL – IPC is urging its members to respond to Canada’s Chemical Management Plan’s proposal banning five rosin-containing substances from all products manufactured and sold there.
 
The trade group also submitted comments today to the Canadian Department of the Environment in advance of the Oct. 20 comment deadline.
 
Rosin is used in the manufacture of more than 75% of electronics products, including defense systems, telecommunication and transportation technologies, IPC noted.
 
A ban on rosin would make it difficult for electronics manufacturers to continue to do business in Canada, says IPC. In addition, consumers would likely foot the bill for the increased production cost because electronics manufacturers would have to engineer products specifically for the Canadian market. Even more likely, Canadian electronics manufacturers would consider moving operations to countries that do not ban the use of rosin, resulting in a loss of Canadian jobs, says the association.
 
According to Dr. Greg Munie, IPC technical director, rosins are naturally occurring materials that possess irreplaceable chemical and electrical properties qualities that ensure a reliable, safe and long-lasting product. There is no known chemical or combination of chemicals that can provide the same functionality and reliability of rosin. Therefore, eliminating rosin would force a change in the composition of soldering flux and solder paste that will ultimately affect the reliability of the final electronic product.

TEMPE, AZ -- US manufacturing economic activity slowed but still expanded in September for the second consecutive month, according to a survey of supply executives.