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www.us-tech.com


Tech-Op-ed June 2025 SOUNDING OFF


By Michael Skinner Editor


parent, and immutable ledger, blockchain is now being deployed across sectors from supply chain logistics to healthcare, real estate, and digital identity management. Companies are leveraging blockchain not just for its security benefits, but for its potential to streamline operations, reduce fraud, and build trust among stake- holders. One of the most significant use cases for blockchain is in supply


Block by Block O


chain management. Traditional supply chains often lack transparency, making it difficult to verify the origin of goods or track their movement in real time. Companies like IBM, in collaboration with Walmart and other retailers, have launched blockchain-based platforms like IBM Food Trust to trace food products from farm to shelf. This not only en- sures food safety but also enables rapid response to contamination in- cidents. Similarly, fashion brands are using blockchain to authenticate luxury items and ensure ethical sourcing of materials. By storing product data on a decentralized ledger, every transac-


tion or handoff is time-stamped and verifiable. This capability re- duces fraud, prevents counterfeiting, and enhances consumer trust — especially critical in industries where provenance matters. Smart contracts —self-executing contracts with the terms direct-


ly written into code — are transforming how companies handle agree- ments. These digital contracts automatically enforce rules and exe- cute actions when predefined conditions are met. This removes the need for intermediaries, reduces administrative overhead, and mini- mizes the risk of human error. For example, in the insurance industry, companies like AXA


have experimented with smart contracts to automate travel insur- ance payouts. If a flight is delayed, the smart contract automatically triggers a payment to the customer without requiring a claim to be filed. Similarly, real estate platforms use blockchain to automate the execution of lease agreements and property transfers, improving effi- ciency and reducing fraud. While blockchain’s roots are in cryptocurrency, its utility in


mainstream financial services continues to grow. Banks and fintech firms are implementing blockchain to facilitate faster and cheaper cross-border payments. Traditional international transactions often involve multiple intermediaries and take several days to clear. Blockchain reduces transaction times from days to minutes and sig- nificantly lowers fees. Ripple, a blockchain-based digital payment network, is being


used by institutions like Santander and American Express to process global payments. Central banks are also exploring blockchain for Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), which could reshape mon- etary policy and financial inclusion. Blockchain’s decentralized nature makes it ideal for managing


digital identities securely. Microsoft’s ION project, built on the Bitcoin blockchain, aims to


enable decentralized identity management. Users can create a self- sovereign identity that isn’t dependent on any one service provider. This has applications in everything from online banking to voting systems, where verified digital identities are essential. From traceable supply chains and automated contracts to fric-


tionless payments and secure identity systems, blockchain technolo- gy is no longer a niche innovation — it’s a foundational layer for the digital future. Companies that adopt blockchain are not just enhanc- ing operational efficiency; they’re building ecosystems based on transparency, trust, and decentralized control. As blockchain ma- tures, its real value lies not just in disruption, but in its ability to uni- fy complex systems and reshape how industries operate. r


nce synonymous with cryptocurrency, blockchain technology has evolved into a multifaceted tool transforming industries far beyond digital finance. By providing a decentralized, trans-


PUBLISHER’S NOTE


By Jacob Fattal Publisher


Investment and Innovation T


Tech we focus on manufacturing services and highlight many U.S.- based contract manufacturers at the forefront of the industry. The CHIPS and Science Act continues to be a cornerstone in revi-


he U.S. electronics manufacturing sector is experiencing a dy- namic transformation, marked by significant investments, pol- icy shifts, and technological advancements. In this issue of U.S.


talizing U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. Since its enactment, it has catalyzed over $540 billion in private investments across more than 100 projects in 28 states. Major industry players like Intel, TSMC, and Sam- sung are expanding their U.S. operations, with TSMC’s Arizona facility beginning production of Apple A16 chips in late 2024. Geopolitical tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China,


have prompted companies to diversify their manufacturing bases. The “China Plus One” strategy is gaining traction, with firms like Ap- ple shifting iPhone production to India and sourcing other products from Vietnam. This diversification aims to mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on a single country. Despite a temporary 90-day suspension of certain tariffs, the trade


environment remains uncertain. An effective U.S. tariff rate of approx- imately 31.8% on Chinese imports, coupled with potential new regula- tions on semiconductors, continues to influence corporate strategies. The U.S. consumer electronics market is poised for growth, with


revenues projected to reach $261.9 billion by 2030, up from $200.4 bil- lion in 2024. Smartphones remain the largest and fastest-growing seg- ment. However, rising costs of raw materials and labor continue to pres- sure profit margins, potentially leading to higher consumer prices. The U.S. electronics manufacturing landscape in 2025 is charac-


terized by robust investment and innovation, driven by supportive policies and technological advancements. Nonetheless, challenges such as labor shortages, geopolitical tensions, and cost pressures re- quire ongoing attention to ensure sus- tainable growth and competitiveness in the global market. r


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