SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — Wednesday’s earthquake in Taiwan is disrupting the manufacturing of semiconductors at several plants in Tijuana.
After the quake, as a precaution, several companies in Taiwan halted operations affecting production on the other side of the Pacific Ocean in Tijuana.
These companies manufacture semiconductors, which control and manage the flow of electric current in electronic equipment and devices.
Carlos Jaramillo Silva, president of Tijuana’s Business Council, said none of the facilities in Taiwan were destroyed, however, it’s a safety protocol to halt lines of operation.
“This indicates there will be a delay in the distribution of semiconductors to certain industries,” he said, adding that this could muddle work for medical device suppliers, automakers and computer equipment developers.
Jaramillo Silva said although it’s too early to tell how much the wait for semiconductors will disrupt operations, it is an opportunity for certain companies to reconsider their reliance on Asian products and maybe turn to North American companies instead of depending on those based in Asia.
“The United States and Mexico are increasing manufacturing of semiconductors, especially in Arizona and Baja California, and we have to build more plants capable of making these products,” he said.
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