Apple laptop-maker joins growing Covid plant closures in China

A medical worker conducts Covid-19 tests in Shanghai, China. The lockdown there and in other Chinese cities is having a big impact on supply chains. Picture: AP

Over 30 Taiwanese companies including Pegatron and Apple Macbook-maker Quanta Computer have now halted production in the electronics hubs of eastern China to comply with local Covid-related restrictions, spelling more trouble for an already fragile global tech supply chain.

Quanta said it was suspending a Shanghai plant to comply with government restrictions, while at least 30 other companies are suspending output in nearby Kunshan until April 19. Some said the effect on their finances is still unknown, while others expect no major impact. Kunshan, a bustling city that hosts Apple suppliers including Pegatron and Luxshare Precision, began a city-wide lockdown in early April.