PCB buyers sometimes tell me “We don’t want to use China.”
Obviously, that’s their right. But I usually probe further on what the buyer specifically means by that statement.
Buyers need to be clear on their reasoning. Is it a geopolitical concern or is it an export-controlled item?
If the former, then there’s no issue as most good PCB suppliers can offer their customer multiple manufacturing options domestically or abroad.
However, if the latter, that presents a problem. Doesn’t matter if it is Canada, Mexico, or Taiwan—export-controlled means those customer files CANNOT leave the United States without a license.
PCB buyers need to confirm with their customers where they can legally send their manufacturing files. And they need to get that in writing.