US needs to invest to be world leader in computer chips, Joe Biden tells executives, pushing infrastructure plan

‘We need to build the infrastructure of today. China and the rest of the world is not waiting and there’s no reason Americans should wait,’ US president said

The chip shortage has delayed a new iPhone and forced car manufacturers to temporarily shut factories because they are running short of the multiple computers needed

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US President Joe Biden says America needs to step up computer chip investment to stay ahead of global rivals. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 4:38am, 13 Apr 2021Updated: 5:48am, 13 Apr 2021

US President Joe Biden used a virtual meeting with corporate leaders about a global shortage of semiconductors to push on Monday for his US$2.3 trillion infrastructure plan, telling them that the US should be the world’s computer chip leader.

“We need to build the infrastructure of today, not repair the one of yesterday,” he told the group of 19 executives from the technology, chip and automotive industries. “China and the rest of the world is not waiting and there’s no reason Americans should wait.”

Biden said the country has not made big investments to stay ahead of global competitors, and it needs to step up its game.

Biden made an appearance at the meeting between administration officials and company leaders held to discuss developing a stronger US computer chip supply chain. The meeting came as the global chip shortage continued to plague a wide array of industries.

A global semiconductor shortage is forcing Ford Motor and other carmakers to shut down factories because there are not enough chips to finish building vehicles that are becoming rolling computers. Photo: AP

Chief executives of AT&T, Dell, Ford, General Motors, Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler), Intel, Northrop Grumman and others were expected to attend.