FT News Briefing Computer chip shortage, corporate America caught between US and China
Apr 5, 2021
The surge in Bitcoin mining is driving up computer chip prices, exacerbating the global semiconductor shortage. Western brands find themselves in a difficult position, caught between U.S. sanctions and China's human rights abuses. The podcast delves into how these geopolitical tensions are affecting industries like gaming and fashion. It also discusses the ethical dilemmas that arise for companies trying to navigate their responsibilities in a rapidly evolving political landscape.
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Chip Shortage Insight
- The pandemic and extreme weather have disrupted supply chains, causing soaring demand for computer chips.
- Chip shortages affect various industries, from cars to electronics, exacerbated by cryptocurrency mining.
Impact on Car and Smartphone Industries
- Car companies like Toyota, Ford, and Nissan have cut production due to chip shortages.
- Smartphone makers also delay new model launches because of the shortages.
Gaming Chip Hack
- Gaming chip makers programmed chips to slow down when used for cryptocurrency mining.
- This prevents miners from buying up all gaming chips, leaving some for gamers.