Procurement Pro has announced details of a new webinar, which will explore the implications of recently introduced US tariffs on the electronics industry. The event will take place on 29th May at 3pm (BST).
Hosted by Paige West, Managing Editor of Procurement Pro, the session will bring together leading experts from across the sector to examine how new trade policies are reshaping global supply chains, procurement strategies, and operational costs within the electronics market.
Despite the recent announcement of a temporary de-escalation in US-China trade tensions, a webinar on the impact of tariffs remains highly relevant to stakeholders across the electronics supply chain. The suspension of elevated tariffs – while welcome – represents a pause, not a resolution. The agreement introduces a 90-day window of reduced duties, but offers little long-term certainty for manufacturers, procurement teams, or logistics managers planning operations beyond this short-term horizon.
The panel will provide analysis on how the industry is responding, with discussion points including:
- The immediate and long-term effects of the new US tariffs on electronics imports and exports
- Adjustments companies are making to mitigate costs and maintain supply chain efficiency
- Strategic responses to evolving global trade policies
- Opportunities for innovation and growth despite tariff challenges
Confirmed speakers for the webinar include:
Tim Carroll, Vice President of Digital Business, DigiKey
Tim oversees DigiKey’s world-class e-commerce, marketing, pricing, asset management, and application engineering teams.
Under Tim’s leadership, DigiKey has launched a new brand platform, enhanced website functionality such as new search functions and customer self-service portals, and increased the regionalisation of global digital marketing strategies. All of this has contributed to DigiKey’s massive growth and reputation as a trusted e-commerce distribution partner worldwide.
Prior to joining DigiKey in 2020, Tim was Chief Marketing Officer at Arrowhead Engineered Products and Vice President, Small Business Segment, for Deluxe Corporation. Tim has also served as a Director for the SCORE Association, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping small businesses reach their goals through education and mentorship.
Tim holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Yale University and volunteers as an Adult Leaser for the Boy Scouts of America.
Christine Wolnik, Vice President of Industry Practices, ECIA
Christine Wolnik has been in the electronics industry for over 20 years. Wolnik started her career in quality inspection, progressing to engineering and eventually senior leadership. She has worked extensively in the global supply chain and has operations expertise in manufacturing. Her prior roles have been in the automotive sector, regulatory & compliance, consumer electronics, and premium audio. Most recently, her position was Vice President of Quality and Supply Chain Operations for Shure Electronics located in Niles, IL.
Christine joined ECIA in March 2025 as Vice President of Industry Practices. She was born and raised in Chicago, recently moving to Colorado, with her son who is completing his engineering degree. She enjoys live music, going to sports events, and is learning to adjust to all her new wildlife neighbours.
Nigel Watts, Founder and Managing Director, Trailing Edge Technologies
Nigel has served the electronics industry since 1978 in a variety of roles and during that time have amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience on a global basis both as an employee and company founder. From engineering through tactical and strategic sales, marketing and management in OEM’s, distribution and also the co-founder of Europe’s first Pan European representative organisation, he considers himself to be an ‘all-rounder’ who can contribute on a wide range of subjects and share valuable personal experiences. Having just launched his latest new venture, he is always learning and looking as how to best add value to an industry such as ours which continues to grow at an accelerated pace. Self-driven, motivated and challenged he enjoys his work enormously and intends to carry on for as long as he can.
Adam Fletcher, Chairman, Electronic Components Supply Network (ecsn)
Adam Fletcher is Chairman of the Electronic Components Supply Network (ecsn), a business association established in 1970 that today offers support to all organisations with an interest in electronic components throughout their entire lifecycle. He is also Chairman of the International Distribution of Electronics Association (IDEA), an association of individual country electronic components associations whose objective is to arrive at and share best industry practice.
This session is designed for procurement professionals, manufacturers, and business leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of the current tariff environment, and to better understand its implications for the electronics sector worldwide.
