If there is that much demand for a component more factories can always be built. Unless companies were actually paying suppliers to specifically NOT respond to market demands I don't see how this sourcing your products well in advance is an anti-competitive practice. Its just smart business.
Dear Buzz Gang and Crew,
Should component hoarding be viewed as an anti-competitive practice? Apple recently sunk $3.9 Billion in contracts for guaranteed supplies and components for its products. Very few if not many corporations can do that. Apple is the largest buyer of NAND flash memory which is used in many electronic devices.
Apple Component Maneuvering:
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/01/21/apple_doubles_board_suppliers_for_ipad_2_ahead_of_april_launch_report.html
Results:
Motorola Xoom intro price: $800 dollars
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/computers/latest-motorola-xoom-rumors-coming-to-best-buy-on-february-17-costing-800/4930
Dual Core Rim delayed due to component costs:
http://www.intomobile.com/2011/01/07/blackberry-dual-core-processor-cost-power/
My view: This should be watch closely to determine if component hoarding is occurring.
Just a thought. Later People. ![]()

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