President Joe Biden signed an executive order Wednesday to formally order a 100-day evaluation of global supply chains and America’s potential vulnerabilities in key industries. The evaluation includes the supply chain for computer chips, electric vehicle batteries, pharmaceuticals and various essential minerals used in electronics. “We should not rely on foreign countries, especially countries that do not share the same interests or values, to protect and provide (various items) for our citizens during a national emergency,” said Biden. The order aims to avoid a repeat of the shortage of personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves that occurred during the early months of last year’s coronavirus pandemic. The shortage comes as American automakers grapple with a shortage of semiconductors, an essential element in navigation and entertainment systems for modern vehicles. “The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the need for resilient supply chains and strong domestic manufacturing, so that all Americans have access to essential goods and services in times of crisis,” White House spokesman Jen Psaki told reporters on Wednesday. In addition to a 100-day review of four major industries, the executive order also directs a year-long review of six other sectors, namely defense, public health, information technology, transportation, energy and food production. [lt/ka]
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