Nokia says events in Japan will disrupt product supply

The world's leading mobile phone maker Nokia said Monday that the earthquake and tsunami in Japan would disrupt product supply but would not significantly impact its first quarter results.

"Although a complete picture is not available, Nokia expects some disruption to the ability of its Devices & Services unit to supply a number of products due to the currently anticipated industry-wide shortage of relevant components and raw materials sourced from Japan," the company said in a statement.

"However, Nokia does not expect any material impact on its Q1 2011 results due to this event," it added.

Company spokesman James Etheridge told AFP Nokia was assessing the situation to identify exactly what might be running low and what can be done about it.

"We're talking to our suppliers, basically getting a handle on where we can access alternative sources for suppliers and components, as well as looking at different production process that would mitigate the effect of the shortages," he said.

Etheridge said that the tragic events in Japan have not impacted the company's operations in Japan, as Nokia has offices in Tokyo and Osaka but no manufacturing or research and development operations in Japan.

(c) 2011 AFP