Samsung Electronics Co. 8GB Double-Data-Rate (DDR) 4 memory modules are arranged for a photograph in Seoul, South Korea, on July 9, 2019. (PHOTO / BLOOMBERG)

Several chipmakers have already responded to a US request for supply chain information to help address the global chip shortage, with some of the world’s top suppliers confirming they won’t provide certain sensitive data.

Tech companies in South Korea - home to Samsung Electronics Co and SK Hynix Inc - are preparing for a “voluntary submission” of relevant information, the finance ministry said in a statement on Sunday, adding that the firms have been negotiating with the US on the extent of data to be submitted.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co has already submitted its answer, ensuring that no customer-specific information was disclosed, a company spokeswoman said. 

Other firms including Micron Technology Inc, Western Digital Corp and United Microelectronics Corp have also made submissions, ahead of the Monday deadline, according to a US government website. 

Tech companies in South Korea - home to Samsung Electronics Co and SK Hynix Inc - are preparing for a “voluntary submission” of relevant information, the finance ministry said in a statement on Sunday, adding that the firms have been negotiating with the US on the extent of data to be submitted. 

Local media reports have said the companies would only “partially comply” with the information request. 

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The US Department of Commerce in September asked companies in the semiconductor supply chain to fill out questionnaires seeking information pertaining to the ongoing chip shortage. 

While the request is voluntary, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo warned industry representatives that the White House might invoke the Defense Production Act or other tools to force their hands if they don’t respond.

In the questionnaire, chipmakers were asked to comment on inventories, backlogs, delivery time, procurement practices and what they were doing to increase output. The Commerce Department also requested information on each product’s top customers

Washington’s request sparked controversies, with some fearing the US is demanding that companies hand over trade secrets.

In the questionnaire, chipmakers were asked to comment on inventories, backlogs, delivery time, procurement practices and what they were doing to increase output. The Commerce Department also requested information on each product’s top customers.

TSMC remains committed to “protecting customers’ confidentiality as always,” spokeswoman Nina Kao said in an email to Bloomberg News on Sunday. 

READ MORE: Worsening chip shortage to cost automakers $210 billion in sales

The world’s two largest contract chipmakers, TSMC and Samsung Electronics, serve a wide range of companies including automakers.

 The persistent shortage of key semiconductors has taken its toll on a vast array of industries over the past year - particularly on car manufacturing, a vital contributor to the US economy - though there are signs that the supply crunch may have peaked.