The president of the United States, Joe Biden, began touring Asia on Friday, in South Korea, focusing on the US technology sector. The president visited a Samsung computer chip plant that will serve as a model for the $ 17 billion semiconductor factory the South Korean company is building outside of Austin, Texas.

The visit is also a nod to one of his national agency’s top priorities: increase the supply of computer chips.

Last year, the semiconductor shortage affected the availability of vehicles, appliances and other products. This caused inflation, which in turn weakened Biden’s public approval rating and pushed his administration to focus on increasing domestic manufacturing.

The shortage of chips has not only affected the United States. This is a global problem. Same with inflation, which is now unleashed across the planet of war in Ukraine and the rising price of hydrocarbons and food.

Biden will also discuss many foreign policy matters during his six -day visit to South Korea and Japanwhich will have a clearly designed itinerary to attend concerns of your country.

On the trip aboard Air Force One, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Samsung’s investment in Texas means “high -paying jobs for Americans and, very importantly, it will lead to increased supply chain stability.

At the plant, Biden was received by the new president of South Korea, Yoon Suk-yeoland vice president of Samsung Electronics, Lee Jae-yong.

Yoon is newcomers to politics who took the presidency, his first elected position, just over a week ago.

During the campaign, Yoon defended the takeover a stronger stance against North Korea and strengthen the alliance formed 70 years ago with the United States.

The problem with chips

Part of the lack of computer chips is the result of the strong demand after most of the world began to overcome the coronavirus pandemic.

But the proliferation of COVID-19, among other problems, caused by the closure of semiconductor plants. U.S. officials estimated that production would not reach the desired level until early 2023.

More than 75% of the world’s chip making come from Asia.

The danger of a Chinese invasion against Taiwan can cut off the flow of high-end semiconductors needed for US military equipment as well as for consumer goods.

In addition, North Korea’s hermetic ballistic missile tests amid the coronavirus outbreak a possible risk for the manufacturing sector in the South in case the battle escalates.

Aaner Madhani and John Boak, Associated Press

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