# EMS & The Economist: Shawn DuBravac on Economics and Electronics at APEX 2024

- Show: [EMS@C-LEVEL](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level)
- Published: 2024-04-17
- Length: 9m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-04-17-ems-the-economist-shawn-dubravac-on-economics-and-electronics-at-apex-2024

## Summary

Philip Stoten interviews Shawn DuBravac, IPC's Chief Economist, about the state of the electronics manufacturing industry at APEX 2024. DuBravac discusses how North American markets are navigating post-pandemic uncertainty, with Mexico surpassing China as the US's top import partner and strong defense spending offsetting slower EV growth. The conversation highlights the critical labor shortage in manufacturing and how EMS companies are responding through automation and IPC training initiatives to become strategic partners for automotive OEMs.

## Chapters

- [0:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-04-17-ems-the-economist-shawn-dubravac-on-economics-and-electronics-at-apex-2024#t=8) Introduction and Economic Outlook
- [2:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-04-17-ems-the-economist-shawn-dubravac-on-economics-and-electronics-at-apex-2024#t=149) North American Manufacturing and Mexico's Rise
- [5:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-04-17-ems-the-economist-shawn-dubravac-on-economics-and-electronics-at-apex-2024#t=306) Labor Shortages and IPC Training Solutions
- [6:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-04-17-ems-the-economist-shawn-dubravac-on-economics-and-electronics-at-apex-2024#t=410) EV Market Dynamics and Automotive Electronics
- [8:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-04-17-ems-the-economist-shawn-dubravac-on-economics-and-electronics-at-apex-2024#t=506) EMS Companies as Strategic Partners

## Topics

- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Growth, exits & acquisitions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/growth-exits-and-acquisitions)
- [Retail, wholesale & distribution](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/retail-and-distribution)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- IPC (company)
- APEX 2024 (other)
- Koh Young (company)
- Global Electronics Association (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [What to Expect at IPC APEX 2025: Standards, Innovation & Networking](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2025-04-16-what-to-expect-at-ipc-apex-2025-standards-innovation-networking) (OnTrack)
- [Return of the Trade Show Jedi](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-04-11-return-of-the-trade-show-jedi) (The Amp Hour)
- [How Technology is Changing the Manufacturing Game w/ Dr. John Mitchell](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-06-22-how-technology-is-changing-the-manufacturing-game-w-dr-john-mitchell) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [PCB West 2025: Electronics Industry Insights with Mike Buetow](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2025-10-31-pcb-west-2025-electronics-industry-insights-with-mike-buetow) (OnTrack)
- [Ep. 15 | The Emergence of the Virtual Supply Chain in a COVID-19 World](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2020-12-17-ep-15-the-emergence-of-the-virtual-supply-chain-in-a-covid-19-world) (Moore's Lobby)

## Citing this page

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