Speaking at the WorldECR Virtual Forum, Steven Brotherton and Lincoln Clark of KPMG gave a thought-provoking and hugely informative presentation on supply chain issues in the semiconductor industry, setting out the myriad constraints that can affect supply, including complexity of global manufacturing processes, weather events, increased demand and sluggish production during the Covid-19 pandemic, political tensions, and increasing export control related restrictions.
New items containing semiconductors, the presenters pointed out, are being added to control lists, leading to increased volume of export licences, as are significant number of parties being added to sanctions lists, and sectoral sanctions further complicating business practices.
Brotherton and Clark also pointed out that both the United States and the European Union are taking steps to address supply and security issues, as the demand for semiconductors across a huge sweep of industrial sectors continues to rise.
CHIPS with everything?
Amongst items discussed was the EU Chips Act – a proposal for which was published by the European Commission earlier in February and one which the EU describes as ‘a comprehensive set of measures to ensure the EU’s security of supply, resilience and technological leadership in semiconductor technologies and applications’ and which will ‘bolster Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and help achieve both the digital and green transition.’
Inter alia, the Act provides that in the event of a supply ‘crisis’, ‘the European Semiconductor Board may advise on the necessity of introducing an export control regime pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/479 of the European Parliament and of the Council [and] may also assess and advise on further appropriate and effective measures,’ adding, ‘The use of all these emergency measures should be proportionate and restricted to what is necessary to address the significant disturbances at stake insofar as this is in the best interest of the Union.’
Read More at https://www.worldecr.com/news/chips-act-will-increase-eu-semiconductor-supply-chain-security-and-market-share/
