Taiwan factories face worst ever supply-chain delays

Global manufacturers are scrambling to secure crucial supplies of semiconductors for everything from smartphones to games consoles to cars. (File pic shows a man holding an umbrella standing in front of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) headquarters in Hsinchu, Taiwan, on Tuesday, July 28, 2020. TSMC kept up its record-breaking streak Tuesday, briefly becoming the world's 10th most valuable corporation before paring gains. - Bloomberg

TAIPEI: Factories in Taiwan faced the longest delays on record in securing raw materials and components in February as they worked overtime to keep up with surging demand from clients overseas.

Manufacturers cited low stock levels at suppliers, a shortage of freight containers and delayed shipping schedules as main reasons for the biggest delays since records began nearly 17 years ago, according to a report by IHS Markit.