The US Congress in Washington is working on a $3 billion funding initiative called the 'Protecting Circuit Boards and Substrates Act of 2023'. This bipartisan-supported federal law is intended to extend the 'U.S. Chips and Science Act', which is considered a great success, to the long-neglected domestic electronics manufacturing sector and thus create a revitalized circuit board industry. The focus is on the US supplier industry, which is confronted with geopolitical tensions and restrictions.
Since 2000, the USA's global market share of PCB production has fallen from more than 30% to just 4%. 90% of PCBs now come from Asia-Pacific, with China currently dominating at around 56%. Only four of the 20 leading EMS manufacturers still produce in the USA. Even the growth stimulus of just under 17% last year induced by the coronavirus crisis has not brought about any lasting change.
The new $3 billion legislation provides for the promotion of plant relocations, as well as the training of suitable employees and massive support for R&D programs. The 25% tax reduction that is common in the USA is also on the cards. "Now is the time for robust legislation to reshoring our manufacturing, strengthening our supply chains and prioritizing our national security," said Congressman Blake Moore, sponsor of the bill.
PCBs are critical components for nearly every type of electronics, added co-sponsor Rep. Anna Eshoo: "If we want to maintain our technological superiority in the global marketplace and strengthen national security, we must bring PCB manufacturing back to America." Travis Kelly, Chairman of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America (PCBAA), has a similar view: "As domestic manufacturing of semiconductors increases, PCBs are a key element of our microelectronics ecosystem. Without a robust supply chain, we are almost completely dependent on outside suppliers for the printed circuit boards we need."
