MIDDLE EAST WAR THREATENS GLOBAL CHIP SUPPLY The ongoing Middle East war is raising new risks for the global semiconductor industry, with potential disruptions to key chipmaking supplies and energy flows. Taiwan — home to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company — relies heavily on imports of materials like helium and sulfur, as well as energy from the Middle East. Any disruption around the Strait of Hormuz could push up power costs or restrict critical inputs for chip production. TSMC produces about 90% of the world’s most advanced chips, including processors for Nvidia and Apple. Supply problems could therefore ripple across industries from AI and data centers to cars and consumer electronics. Taiwan is particularly vulnerable because it imports 97% of its energy and keeps only about 11 days of LNG reserves, leaving its chip industry exposed if the conflict disrupts energy shipments.(*Walter Bloomberg)