Japan disasters hit electronics industry

The National.

Firefighters at the scene of the devastation at Fukushima described it as “apocalyptic”. Meanwhile, IT and electronics manufacturers face massive potential shortfalls in the supply of vital industry components.

Not only are manufacturers such as Canon directly affected, but a shortage of components such as semiconductors is already reported to be disrupting production schedules in the worldwide technology industry, affecting companies such as Nokia.

The research company IHS iSuppli reports that Japan accounts for 14% of the global production of computers, consumer electronics and communications gear.

According to the Hindustan Times, it's been days after the earthquake and tsunami struck Japan, manufacturers are struggling to get back up to speed as factories grapple with power cuts, crippled infrastructure and parts shortage.

Eric Williams from Epperson Photo in Oklahoma City says: "The three major companies we deal with are Nikon, Canon and Sony. All three were hit pretty hard. Sony was hit the hardest,” notes KFOR.