NEEDHAM, MA – Worldwide shipments of used smartphones, including officially refurbished and used smartphones, will reach 282.6 million units in 2022, according to estimates by the International Data Corporation. The unit growth represents an 11.5% increase over the 253.4 million units shipped in 2021. This growth is expected to continue as IDC forecasts used smartphone shipments will reach 413.3 million units in 2026 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% from 2021 to 2026.

JASPER, IN — Kimball Electronics has announced that Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Donald D. Charron will retire on Feb. 28 after nearly 25 years with the company.

ATLANTA — The North American electronic components sales sentiment increased by 7.7 points in the ECIA's December Electronic Component Sales Trend survey results, with the component index average of 65.8 marking a possible end to the downward trend the industry has seen for nearly two years.

LAS VEGAS — The Mobility in Harmony Consortium, an initiative by Foxconn, announced at CES 2023 that it will be establishing an Innovation Hub near Foxconn's facility in Ohio.

PINANG, MALAYSIA — NationGate Holdings reported revenue of RM305.17 million (US$69.3 million) for the third quarter and RM731.2 million (US$166 million) for the first nine months of the year – passing a record set for the same period in 2021.

CAMBRIDGE, UK — While 5G mmWave has yet to take off, 6G research has already begun. But what exactly is 6G, and what are the emerging areas to watch? IDTechEx's research report, "6G Market 2023-2043: Technology, Trends, Forecasts, Players," provides a high-level overview of 6G, including 6G frequencies, technological development trends, and noteworthy 6G applications, as well as critical insight and commercial outlooks for this emerging field.

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL — SigmaTron has announced the promotion of John P. Sheehan to President of EMS Operations. Sheehan has been with SigmaTron since September 1986 and most recently held the position of Vice President, Director of Supply Chain.

BANNOCKBURN, IL — COVID-19, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, soaring global inflation rates and recession fears were major contributors to the cloud of uncertainty in 2022 and also to slower global economic growth, per IPC’s December Economic Outlook report.

TAIPEI — Foxconn Interconnect Technology has entered into an agreement to acquire PRETTL SWH group, a German developer and manufacturer of sensor, connectivity and electrification solutions, as part of the company's effort to expand its electronic vehicle development.

EGER, HUNGARY — Eurocircuits is currently in the process of moving into its new assembly facility in Eger, Hungary, with an expected completion of the move by the end of the week.

LODZ, POLAND -- Flex has expanded its footprint here and extended its lease for nonmanufacturing space.

BANNOCKBURN, IL — Over the next six months, manufacturers expect to see continued increase in both labor and material costs, while ease of recruitment and profit margins are likely to remain challenging, according to IPC’s December Global Sentiment of the Electronics Supply Chain Report.