AI push garners industry support but, experts warn domestic electronics capacity must grow to secure the industry.
President Trump has unveiled the National AI Action Plan by signing three executive orders aimed at advancing the United States’ leadership in global AI. The Global Electronics Association (GEA) has welcomed the move, but stressed that the success of this AI strategy hinges on rebuilding the country’s domestic electronics manufacturing capabilities.
One of the orders prioritizes the acceleration of AI data center infrastructure construction. The GEA highlighted that critical electronics sub-sectors are essential to powering such AI centers and require targeted government support to create a resilient supply chain.
The administration’s plan also calls for the US Department of Commerce to bring together industry and government stakeholders to address supply chain gaps in robotics and drone manufacturing. The GEA fully supports this order as every advanced robotic and drone system depends heavily on reliable electronics. Reports suggest that the US currently lacks the capacity to produce high-density printed circuit boards (PCBs) and related components.
Additionally, the plan’s third executive order calls for the inclusion of the Defense Production Act (DPA) to scale translational and foundational manufacturing technologies. From this angle, GEA urges investments into domestic production of advanced PCBs to support strategic sectors.
Workforce enlargement is another pillar of the plan with an emphasis on registered apprenticeships in critical sectors. The GEA applauded this move and remembered how it has helped create nearly 100 new roles and secured funding to support employers.
While Trump’s AI agenda is seen as a significant step, the GEA warns that without continuous investment in electronics manufacturing, the US risks falling behind, becoming increasingly dependent on foreign suppliers, and being exposed to supply chain vulnerabilities.
