-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- smt007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueBox Build
One trend is to add box build and final assembly to your product offering. In this issue, we explore the opportunities and risks of adding system assembly to your service portfolio.
IPC APEX EXPO 2024 Pre-show
This month’s issue devotes its pages to a comprehensive preview of the IPC APEX EXPO 2024 event. Whether your role is technical or business, if you're new-to-the-industry or seasoned veteran, you'll find value throughout this program.
Boost Your Sales
Every part of your business can be evaluated as a process, including your sales funnel. Optimizing your selling process requires a coordinated effort between marketing and sales. In this issue, industry experts in marketing and sales offer their best advice on how to boost your sales efforts.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Events
||| MENU - smt007 Magazine
Brexit Postponed Amid Political Gridlock; Industry Disruptions in Store
April 3, 2019 | Chris Mitchell, IPC VP, Global Government RelationsEstimated reading time: 4 minutes
The United Kingdom’s effort to leave the European Union, known by the nickname “Brexit,” is bogged down in political uncertainty, which in turn is creating disruptions in the global economy. With a “no-deal” Brexit possible within two weeks, here’s a recap of recent developments and the possible impacts on the electronics industry. (And let us know what you think about Brexit.)
First, a Quick Recap
Following a 2016 referendum in which the “leave” side won narrowly, the British government invoked Article 50 of the Treaty of European Union, which lays out a two-year process for member countries to withdraw from the EU’s political and economic structures. That process was set to conclude by last Friday, March 29.
British Prime Minister Theresa May finalized a Withdrawal Agreement with the EU in November 2018. However, Parliament rejected the agreement on January 15, as well as two subsequent versions of it on March 12 and March 29. In a rare move, rank-and-file members of Parliament took control of the chamber twice in the last week to hold “indicative votes” on 12 Brexit alternatives, but none won a majority.
Just yesterday, following a lengthy cabinet meeting, Prime Minister May signalled that she would seek a further extension from the EU until May 22 and that she would work more closely with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to forge a compromise.
Top Takeaways
1. The urgency remains even as the deadline is postponed.
PM May asked for and received an EU extension of the Brexit deadline to April 12. She now has indicated she will seek an extension until May 22. But May 22 is right around the corner, and the country’s political leaders remain at loggerheads. It is not clear whether working with Corbyn can deliver a deal with majority support.
2. A no-deal Brexit remains a real possibility and would wreak havoc.
Goldman Sachs has estimated a 15 percent likelihood that the UK will exit the EU without a deal in place. Some fear the likelihood is even greater, and most agree the outcome would be dire. World Trade Organization (WTO) tariffs would go into effect, requiring goods to be re-priced accordingly. Customs officials would need to re-establish rules and procedures at the border, but it’s uncertain whether adequate infrastructure could be put in place that quickly.
3. A new PM is likely soon.
Throughout her tenure, May has come under withering criticism from both the Left and Right for trying to chart a middle course. In a last-ditch effort to win more Conservative Party votes for her Withdrawal Agreement, she pledged to step down if Parliament adopted her deal. The ploy did not work. Now the British political class is gearing up for a leadership contest on top of everything else.
4. A general election is also possible.
Britain’s next national election is not scheduled until 2022. Parliament can trigger an election sooner, but the current Conservative majority is largely opposed, having lost seats in 2017 in an election that May did not need to call. On the other hand, the current impasse, if it continues, may make general elections a necessity. The Labour Party may pick up seats in a general election, but few experts think it would be enough for a strong mandate, and any election would be at least several months away.
Page 1 of 2
Suggested Items
IPC Bestows Posthumous Hall of Fame Award to Industry Icon Michael Ford
04/18/2024 | IPCIPC honored the late Michael Ford, Aegis Software, for his extraordinary contributions to the global electronics manufacturing industry with the IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame Award at IPC APEX EXPO 2024. IPC’s most prestigious honor, the Hall of Fame Award is given to individuals who have provided exceptional service and advancement to IPC and the electronics industry. Ford, an industry leader and valued IPC volunteer, died suddenly in January 2024.
SEMI Applauds U.S. Chips Act Award for Samsung Electronics Facilities to Strengthen Domestic Semiconductor Supply Chain
04/17/2024 | SEMISEMI, the industry association serving the global electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, applauded the United States Department of Commerce’s announcement of a Preliminary Memorandum of Terms for an award under the CHIPS and Science Act to support the expansion of Samsung Electronics’ presence in Texas and the company’s development and production of leading-edge chips.
Northrop Grumman honors Calumet Electronics with Supplier Excellence Award
04/17/2024 | Calumet ElectronicsNorthrop Grumman Corporation has recognized Calumet Electronics during the company’s 2024 Supplier Excellence Awards for “exceptional performance and unwavering commitment to delivering with excellence.” Calumet is one of 70 suppliers recognized from across the globe. In its award category of “Supplier Strategic Excellence,” Calumet was honored alongside global corporations such as Amazon Web Services, Dell Technologies, and Eaton Corporation.
Ark Electronics Expands Global Manufacturing Factory Network in North America and Europe
04/17/2024 | PRNewswireElectronic Manufacturing Company Ark Electronics recently announced the expansion of its Global Factory Network with the addition of Electronics Manufacturing Service (EMS) capabilities in Mexico and Europe.
Designing Electronics for High Thermal Loads
04/16/2024 | Akber Roy, Rush PCB Inc.Developing proactive thermal management strategies is important in the early stages of the PCB design cycle to minimize costly redesign iterations. Here, I delve into key aspects of electronic design that hold particular relevance for managing heat in electronic systems. Each of these considerations plays a pivotal role in enhancing the reliability and performance of the overall system.