Conflict Between Israel and Hamas Can Have Supply Chain Effects

By Logan Wamsley

At first glance, the escalating military conflict between Israel and Hamas should have little impact on the global semiconductor market, at least compared to what the tensions between China and Taiwan could do. However, despite its small size, Israel has a significant influence on the global chip industry, and the implications of its conflict with…

Black and Gray Markets for Microchips Are Thriving in the Ukraine Crisis

By Logan Wamsley

The Ukraine-Russia conflict has revealed many shortcomings and bottlenecks in the global supply chain, and over one year in it is still revealing new wrinkles that, in some cases, will permanently alter how electronics manufacturers evaluate supply chain risk. One such wrinkle is the revealing of just how sophisticated black and gray markets for microchips…

EMS Providers, OEM Partners, and the “Golden Screw” Dilemma

By Logan Wamsley

A Supply Chain Defined by Disruption In today’s global supply chain, the “golden screw” dilemma is becoming increasingly common. This is when a manufacturer has completed between approximately 80% and 99% assembly of a product, but for one reason or another, it cannot acquire one specific, critical part to complete the assembly and ship the…

Following New US Chip Sanctions, Automakers Turn to Black Market

By Logan Wamsley

U.S. automakers officially may be at their breaking point. In a year that has seen raw material shortages, skyrocketing lead times, ongoing complications from stringent COVID-19 protocols, port congestion, and other major supply chain disruptions, the repercussions of the recent U.S. sanctions against the sale of chips and chip-making equipment to China are now pushing…