Hello,
Question, primarily directed to the small-business owners, but interested in hearing opinions for all experienced people here. For small-med PCBA, say 1000/year, what is your current thinking on how you will respond to the proposed increase in tariff on Chinese imported products? Are you looking at moving in-house (ie desktop PNP), US PCB+PCBA shop, Mexico, etc?
I have done an initial cost analysis for our BOM if the PCBA was done 'in-house' (in USA), but it isn't comprehensive enough to know if the PCBA equipment cost is justified. So many BOM items are so much cheaper at JLCPCB, particular Chinese branded components (passives, small signal FETs, etc). Even with tariff these parts will probably remain cheaper than the US equivalent. But other items, particular more specialized ICs, JLCPCB isn't a great deal, prices are better direct from the manufacturer, which may or may not have tariff depending on the mfg. And then anything that needs to come through a US distributor, the price is at least 50% more than JLCPCB (and may have tariff passed thru by DK). So a lot of shopping around to find the best deal for each bom line item (i.e. use lower cost Chinese brand + tariff, or more expensive US brand with less tariff).
And for folks that are already doing 'in-house' small volume production, have there been additional costs beyond equipment? has solder paste, consumables, maintenance, etc been a significant added costs that changed the profitability of bringing it in-house?
thanks,