WASHINGTON – The Semiconductor Industry Association today released the following statement from president and CEO John Neuffer in support of a recent letter from top national security leaders to President Biden urging enactment of legislation to strengthen America’s technological edge, including federal investments in domestic semiconductor manufacturing and research called for in the CHIPS for America Act and the Endless Frontier Act:

“A key part of strengthening US national security is ensuring America’s global leadership in semiconductors, which are essential to a range of critical defense applications. SIA joins defense and intelligence leaders in calling on President Biden and Congress to enact and fund legislation to bolster America’s global technology leadership and semiconductor supply chains through federal investments in domestic chip manufacturing and research. Funding the CHIPS for America Act and enacting the Endless Frontier Act will help ensure more of the semiconductors our country needs are produced on US soil, while also promoting America’s leadership in the strategically important technologies of today and tomorrow.”

LAHORE, PAKISTAN – A fire broke out at an electronics manufacturing factory here on Saturday, according to reports. No injuries or fatalities were reported.

SHANGHAI – A massive fire at a Shengrui Electronic Technology factory near Shanghai that broke out yesterday killed eight, including two firefighters, according to reports.

BANNOCKBURN, IL — Total North American EMS orders in March rose 8.9% year-over-year and decreased 8.7% sequentially, says IPC.

BANNOCKBURN, IL – Total North American printed circuit board orders in March increased 13.6% year-over-year, and were up 17.6% compared to February.

NEENAH, WI – Plexus reported fiscal second quarter revenue of $881 million, up 14.8% year-over-year and 6.1% sequentially.

BILLINSTAD, NORWAY – Kitron reported first quarter revenue of NOK 938 million (US$112.5 million), up 7% year-over-year. Growth adjusted for foreign exchange effects in consolidation was 9%.

TAIPEI – TrendForce today raised its forecasts for DRAM price hikes for the second quarter to 18 to 23%, up from its prior estimate of 13 to 18%. Actual increase in prices of various DRAM product categories will depend on the production capacities allocated to the respective products by DRAM suppliers, the research firm noted.

DRESDEN, GERMANY – Fraunhofer IPMS began a research project in March to establish a platform for trusted electronic devices in Germany.

SON, THE NETHERLANDS – Neways Electronics reported first quarter revenue of €119.3 million (US$143.6 million), down 6.2% year-over-year and up 4.2% sequentially.

MADISON, WI — The State of Wisconsin has agreed to new terms for Foxconn, reducing the ODM’s tax breaks, say reports. Details were not immediately disclosed.

NEW DELHI – Broadband India Forum has approached the telecom department and the finance ministry in India seeking a reversal of a hike in import duties on components and PCBAs, saying the move will drive up the cost of making telecom products and may offset benefits of the production-linked incentive scheme.