EMS@C-LEVEL
As Forbes, Entrepreneur, Fast Company and SCOOP writer, Philip Stoten, continues to talk to EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services) executives he learns more about their individual and collective experiences and their expectations for their own businesses and for the entire electronic manufacturing industry.
EMS@C-LEVEL
Inside IPC: The Electronics Industry Fights for Stability in Washington with Richard Cappetto
Trade policy turbulence is creating unprecedented challenges for electronics manufacturers as they navigate a rapidly shifting landscape of tariffs, material cost increases, and regulatory uncertainty. Speaking from the final day of APEX 2025, Richard Cappetto, Senior Director North American Government Relations for IPC, reveals the behind-the-scenes advocacy work happening in Washington to represent the industry's interests during this critical period.
At the heart of the conversation lies a fundamental tension: while the administration aims to spark a manufacturing renaissance in America, the policy tools being deployed—particularly aggressive tariffs—may inadvertently undermine that very goal by destabilizing established supply chains. Rich shares how IPC submits formal comments and participates in closed-door meetings to educate policymakers about electronics manufacturing realities, emphasizing that the global networks built over decades cannot be reset overnight without significant disruption.
The interview illuminates the complex interconnectedness of modern manufacturing, where a single Silverado pickup truck crosses borders between the US, Mexico, and Canada numerous times during production. This example powerfully demonstrates why stability is crucial—manufacturers need predictability to plan investments, hire workers, and commit to long-term strategies. With copper tariffs potentially impacting every electronic device produced and tax policy changes looming on the horizon, IPC is gathering crucial data through industry surveys to strengthen their advocacy position. Rich's work extends beyond Washington, coordinating with counterparts in Europe and Asia to ensure a globally coherent approach that reflects the international nature of electronics manufacturing.
Ready to have your voice heard on these critical issues? Complete the IPC survey that was distributed to APEX 2025 attendees and help shape the policies that will determine the future of electronics manufacturing.
EMS@C-Level Live at APEX is sponsored by global inspection leaders Koh Young (https://www.kohyoung.com) and Creative Electron (https://creativeelectron.com)
You can see video versions of all of the EMS@C-Level pods on our YouTube playlist.