‘They’ll have to pay’: Malaysia chip crunch triggers new era in supply deals

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian electronics firms central to the supply of basic chips that drive the world’s cars, smartphones and home devices say big-name customers are beating on their doors to lock in take-or-pay, longer-term deals – and happy to pay more if need be.

Manufacturers are rushing to replenish chip stocks depleted during coronavirus pandemic factory curbs – not least automakers who earlier cancelled orders expecting poor demand. That chip shortage has slammed their output, and still dislocates supply chains, just as consumer demand ramps up along with a global easing of COVID restrictions in everyday life.