Global chipmakers build record inventories in push to end shortage

Manufacturers plan to expand capacity, but fears of glut loom

Chipmakers such as Texas Instruments are building their stockpile of raw materials to drive production. (Image courtesy of the company)

SAKI MASUDA and RYOSUKE EGUCHI, Nikkei staff writers

August 21, 2021 23:18 JST

TOKYO -- Total inventory at the world's nine leading chipmakers hit a record high of $64.7 billion as of the end of June, as companies quickly move to ramp up production to alleviate a protracted shortage that has disrupted supply chains in the auto industry and beyond.