WASHINGTON – The US Department of Commerce is establishing an early alert system to detect supply chain shortages in the semiconductor industry, according to reports.

The Microelectronics Early Alert System will consolidate information from producers and manufacturers, with the goal of minimizing disruptions without firms disclosing confidential information to competitors.

The new alert system is part of President Biden’s program to strengthen supply chains. The 100-day supply chain review ordered by Biden in February highlighted the delicate global nature of the semiconductor supply chain.