Europe chip buyers face 9% air freight capacity drop, higher costs, delivery delays as Iran war disrupts Middle East cargo routes since Feb. 28; companies tap backup stores, pay premiums to maintain semiconductor imports from Asia.

Chip buyers in Europe are paying more and tapping backup stores as Iran war hits air freight

European companies that import semiconductors from Asia are tapping into backup stores and paying more for deliveries as the Iran war causes disruption to air freight routes through the Middle East, industry insiders have told CNBC.The Iran war has caused turmoil to cargo routes as shipping and airports have been targeted since the war began on Feb. 28. Global air freight capacity — which transports cargo such as semiconductors and other high-value electronics — is down around 9% compared to pre...