For the past few days, the situation regarding the spread of COVID-19 in China has been very worrying. In Shanghai, the extremely strict containment measures are pushing the population to revolt, at the risk of facing even stronger repression by the police. Other cities, such as Xian, are also facing a surge in cases.
However, Xian is home to, among other things, one of Samsung’s semiconductor factories. And not just any: in just one month, 250,000 semiconductors passed through its doors, ie no less than 40% of the Korean manufacturer’s total production. A production that may soon be undermined. Indeed, since April 16 and until tomorrow, the factory has been ordered to put its activities on hold.
For the moment, there is no reason to worry, given the relatively short duration of the closure of the plant. On the other hand, if the latter were to lengthen, the situation could quickly become problematic for Samsung. According to BusinessKorea, Samsung may have to go without a large part of its semiconductor production, which could lead to delivery delays.
Samsung factories closing in China due to COVID-19
If the shortage of chips has made Samsung’s heyday so far, luck could soon change sides. According to the China Chamber of Commerce, around 57% of businesses based in the country have experienced difficulties as a result of the Shanghai lockdown. In addition, the PC sector could also receive some impact, in particular Apple which must now deal with the closure of supplier Quanta Computer.
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Samsung, for its part, already plans to export its production to Texas, in a huge factory occupying 1200 acres. We do not know the date of its opening yet.
Samsung Electronics has decided to increase the use of recycled parts in smartphone repairs as part of its environmental efforts.
The company is considering implementing a manufacturer-certified remanufactured parts program; for mobile device repairs in the first half of this year. The company aims to reduce the burden on consumers; and the negative impact on the environment through the use of recycled materials.
If this program becomes available, the cost of repairing a damaged display will be lower. Samsung Electronics plans to increase consumer confidence by ensuring the quality and performance of remanufactured parts at a level that matches new parts.
Samsung Electronics has been promoting the use of recycled materials; since the announcement of Galaxy Project for the Earth in August 2021. Recycled plastic materials from used fishing nets have found their way into select Galaxy S22 and Galaxy Book 2 Pro.
