Apple and Nvidia Face Nittobo Glass Cloth Supply Shortage 2026
Tech giants Apple, Nvidia, and Google are competing for Nittobo's high-end glass cloth amidst a massive 2026 supply shortage. Explore the AI-driven impact on the tech supply chain.
It looks like heavy-duty plastic wrap, but it's the invisible bottleneck of the AI boom. As of January 13, 2026, a specialized glass cloth buried deep inside electronic devices has become the latest flashpoint for global tech giants.
The Nittobo Glass Cloth Supply Shortage Crisis
According to reports from Nikkei Asia and Reuters, Nittobo, a Japanese specialist in glass fiber, is struggling to keep up with unprecedented demand. Apple is now reportedly scrambling against the likes of Nvidia, Google, and Amazon to secure this scarce resource. This ultra-thin material is essential for high-end printed circuit boards and semiconductor packaging used in AI servers.
Why AI Infrastructure is Draining Supplies
The surge in demand stems from the massive build-out of AI data centers and the manufacturing of premium hardware like high-end phones. Industry analysts note that as companies like Tokyo Electron gear up for an AI-driven supercycle, the raw material supply chain hasn't expanded fast enough. Since high-end glass cloth requires precise manufacturing capabilities, tech giants don't have many alternative sources outside of a few specialized Japanese firms.
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