How a trade dispute in Asia could affect Apple
Virginia Harrison for the BBC:
In July, Tokyo imposed export controls targeting South Korea’s key electronics sector.
The export curbs apply to three high-tech materials: fluorinated polyimide, photoresists and hydrogen fluoride.
Japan is the dominant producer of those materials which are vital to make memory chips and display screens.
[DBS economist Ma Tieying] says supply disruptions could hit Apple, Huawei and Sony among others in the production of smartphones, computers and televisions.
Comprehensive – and readable – explanation of how a trade biff between Japan and South Korea that has roots in a conflict dating back to 1910 could affect Apple and other tech giants. Economic integration has a lot going for it but it can’t always paper over historical grievances and pride.
Or maybe trade spats are just in vogue now.