Chip factory problems are hitting the news headlines on a weekly if not daily basis, as shortages continue to mount.
Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that Taiwan, home to two thirds of the world’s semiconductor manufacturing is experiencing a severe drought, and water, it turns out, is a key element in chip production.
Taiwan’s drought is said to be the worst in a half century.
Chip producers require “voracious” amounts of water to clean the wafers, etch patterns, polish layers and rinse components during production, said the WSJ.
Micron Technology, a US company with facilities in Taiwan, said it will increase prices due to efforts to find new water sources.
Read more at The Wall Street Journal (subscription may be required).
