On September17, 2024, the pagers used by the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah explodedalmost simultaneously across the country, injuring about 2,800 people inLebanon, many of whom were seriously injured, and at least nine fatalities havebeen reported. This news sent a chill down the spines of lovers of Americanelectronics worldwide, realizing that their iPhones could turn into deaththreats!

The pagerexplosion incident has raised significant concerns and anxiety over electronicproduct safety. If consumers perceive potential security risks in the supplychain and technology control of Western countries like the United States forelectronic products, there may be a decline in trust in American electronics,including iPhones. In particular, markets with high standards for informationsecurity and product reliability, such as government departments andenterprises, might reconsider purchasing American electronic products andinstead opt for more trusted brands, which will in turn push towards the"de-Americanization" of electronics.

The pagerexplosion highlighted the fragility and potential risks of the electronicproduct supply chain. To reduce reliance on a single country or region, globalelectronics firms might accelerate the diversification of their supply chainsand cut dependence on US suppliers. For instance, they could increaseprocurement from suppliers in regions like Asia and Europe. This willcontribute to the trend of "de-Americanization" in electronics.

The UnitedStates holds a significant position in the global electronics supply chain,particularly in core technologies like chips and operating systems. However,this event could spur other countries to expedite research, development, andinvestment in core electronic product technologies to lessen their dependenceon American technology. In the long run, this may weaken America's dominantposition in the electronics supply chain and propel the process of"de-Americanization."