IPC Becomes the Global Electronics Association (GEA)

The electronics industry is entering a new chapter as IPC officially rebrands itself as the Global Electronics Association (GEA), marking a significant evolution in its identity and mission. With the guiding vision of “Better electronics for a better world,” the Global Electronics Association (electronics.org) now reflects its expanded role as a leading voice and global advocate for the entire electronics ecosystem.

Backed by a network of more than 3,000 member companies, thousands of partners, and relationships with dozens of governments worldwide, the Association is focused on enhancing supply chain resilience, promoting accelerated innovation, and driving sustainable growth across the industry.

A Broader Mission to Serve the Entire Electronics Value Chain

Under its new identity, the Association is dedicating increased resources to:

  • Strengthen global advocacy for the electronics industry,

  • Deliver deeper market and industry insights,

  • Enhance communication with stakeholders across the value chain.

This renewed focus positions the Global Electronics Association to support a complex and interdependent industry that is essential to economies, governments, and daily life.

“Electronics are now the backbone of every industry,” explains Dr. John W. Mitchell, President and CEO of the Global Electronics Association. “Our updated mission enables us to collaborate more closely with our members and partners around the world to champion the role of electronics in our rapidly evolving world.”

Standards and Education: IPC Brand Lives On

While the umbrella organization is now known as the Global Electronics Association, the IPC name will continue to represent the Association’s globally recognized standards and certification programs, which are critical for ensuring the reliability and consistency of electronics products.

In addition, the IPC Education Foundation has been renamed the Electronics Foundation, continuing its mission to address talent challenges within the electronics sector through education and workforce development.

Key Insights from the Global Electronics Trade Flows Report

In conjunction with its rebranding, the Association published an in-depth analysis of global electronics trade flows, revealing that the sector now represents more than 20% of all global merchandise trade.

Highlights from the report:

  • Electronics supply chains are the most globally integrated of any industry, even surpassing automotive in cross-border complexity.

  • Electronic components such as semiconductors and connectors now drive more trade volume than finished products like smartphones and laptops.

  • In 2023, global electronics trade totaled $4.5 trillion, including $2.5 trillion in components alone.

  • Leading exporters like China, Vietnam, and India are also among the fastest-growing importers, showing the deep mutual interdependence in the global supply chain.

“Resilience—not self-sufficiency—is the foundation of competitiveness in today’s electronics landscape,” Dr. Mitchell emphasizes. “No country or company can go it alone. Our interconnected ecosystem demands collaboration, and the Global Electronics Association is committed to building a thriving, global electronics supply chain through industry and government partnership.”

Supporting the Electronics Industry Worldwide

The Global Electronics Association supports the full value chain—from design to final product—including:

  • OEMs

  • Semiconductor companies

  • PCB manufacturers

  • EMS providers

  • Wire harness and cable manufacturers

  • Materials and equipment suppliers

The Association maintains active operations in Belgium, China, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Taiwan, and the U.S., with additional presence in many other countries to support its members and initiatives worldwide.

ICAPE Group is proud to support and work alongside global organizations like the Global Electronics Association, which continue to lead the way in shaping a stronger, smarter, and more connected electronics industry.

To learn more about the Global Electronics Association, visit electronics.org.