Commerce Establishes Semiconductor Supply Chain Alert System

The Commerce Department this week announced the official launch of its early alert system to better manage semiconductor supply chain disruptions (see 2109240029). The Microelectronics Early Alert System, which will be administered by the International Trade Administration, will pull from information voluntarily submitted by companies about ongoing supply chain issues, including COVID-19-related plant closures, which will help the government coordinate resources to address those problems. This may include “engagement” with foreign governments or other activities to “safely reopen these critical microelectronics and semiconductor facilities,” Commerce said. The agency hopes the alert system can help it better address real-time supply chain issues, especially those related to the global chip shortage.

“We encourage companies anywhere along the semiconductor supply chain to use this tool and request they provide as much detail as possible so we can help minimize disruptions,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said. Businesses can submit information to covid_microelectronics_alert@trade.gov, where submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Commerce may follow up with companies “as needed” and said it will protect the disclosure of any confidential information “to the full extent permitted by law.”