Mazda seeks to reduce dependence on Chinese supplies after COVID lockdowns

Mazda said Friday it would ask its parts suppliers to increase stockpiles in Japan and produce components outside China after COVID-19 lockdowns in Shanghai destabilized supply and hampered production.

The request from the Hiroshima-based automaker underscores the vulnerability of sprawling supply chains, which have been tested by the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, casting uncertainty over businesses.