Apple details China supplier conditions

Apple Inc (AAPL.NASDAQ) released a 27-page report on Friday detailing working conditions throughout its supply chain, a response to mounting pressure over conditions in its suppliers in China and abroad, The Wall Street Journal reported. The most comprehensive in Apple’s history, the report detailed 156 suppliers that represent 97% of the company’s materials, manufacturing and assembly spending. Apple said it found five facilities that were employing underage workers and 112 facilities that weren’t properly handling hazardous chemicals, while nearly one-third of its suppliers were not abiding by Apple standards on wages and benefits. Also on Friday, the company temporarily halted sales of all iPhones at its five retail stores in mainland China following a scuffle outside of its Beijing store. Chinese state media reports blamed the incident on scalpers who were jostling for a position to buy the new iPhone 4S.