• FLYING: The worldwide semiconductor shortage has forced Mexico’s electronics manufacturing industry to fly chips directly from Asia instead of relying on maritime transportation, in an effort to make up for weeks of delays and despite significantly higher costs.
• COSTS: According to an analysis by Mexico-based CT-LOG consulting firm, the cost of shipping 2.2 pounds of merchandise by sea from China to Mexico is approximately one US dollar, while the cost of shipping it via air is at least seven times higher.
• IMPACT: “Our logistics have been affected. The costs in transit time and the costs by type of freight have increased. There, it is hitting us hard”, said César Castro, head of the western chapter of Mexico’s maquiladora industry advocacy association (INDEX).
• AUTO: The global chip shortage has affected dozens of Mexican manufacturing industries including the automotive sector. Mexico auto parts association (INA) said earlier this month that the manufacturing of at least 65 car models had been affected in North America.
