(Reuters) – The U.S. Commerce Department stated Thursday that it received information from Infineon and Intel (NASDAQ;) about their willingness to cooperate in a voluntary request of data regarding the chip crisis. However, the quality and quantity of the responses will determine whether the Commerce Department would have to make the request mandatory.

According to the White House, automakers and chip manufacturers were contacted last month. The request was made in the belief that such information will increase transparency within supply chains and aid in understanding where there are bottlenecks. Firms have until Nov. 8 to reply.

“Companies such as Intel, GM and Infineon have stated that they intend to share their data with great care,” a Commerce spokesperson said. Commerce spokeswoman told Reuters that they are grateful for their efforts, and would encourage others to do the same.”

Although the request for information (or “request for information”) is voluntary, this is vital to address concerns regarding transparency within the supply chain. The quality and number of companies that participate in the request for information will determine whether or not compulsory measures are necessary.

SK Hynix and Intel did not respond to immediate requests for comment.

Concerns have been raised in Taiwan about companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd. (TSMC), which is the largest contract chipmaker worldwide and a key supplier to Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:). TSMC stated earlier in the month that no sensitive information would be leaked by it.

South Korea’s Trade Ministry expressed its concern about the request.

It stated that the scope of data requested was vast, and many operational secrets were included. This is an issue in South Korea, in an Oct. 6, statement.

Moon Sung-wook, South Korea’s trade minister, told a Parliament committee that data could be submitted by companies without violating domestic or contractual confidentiality laws.

General Motors Co. (NYSE 🙂 Automakers Toyota Motor (NYSE.) Corp to French automaker Renault The shortage in chip supply has caused a reduction in output and sales estimates for (PA:), which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 recovery at key Asian manufacturing centers.