Japan Disaster Could Cause Pinch For Some Consumer Goods
CHICAGO (CBS) -- These days, some of the most popular computers, photo equipment, and cars have something in common: They're made in Japan.
But what happens when production comes to a halt because of a disaster? CBS 2's Kristyn Hartman takes a look at the impact here in Chicago.
Nature has taken its toll on Japan. And that's not all: The quake and tsunami for now has washed out production at many Japanese companies.
So will there be a supply aftershock?
ABT electronics' Chad Taylor said Japanese-made components include
Lithium ion batteries and flash memory. He said that could affect items such as cameras, computers and cell phones.
"When you're missing components made in Japan ... that's where we think we may see trouble down the line," Taylor said.
He doesn't think any trouble will be immediate. Similarly, a Subaru dealer says he has enough stock to last him awhile. The Subaru Forester is made in a factory outside of Tokyo, which has been closed temporarily.
"We have enough inventory and more coming," Jordan Tidhar, general manager of Mid City Subaru.
He said any concerns about business are secondary to the human tragedy in Japan.
