The impact of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan in March is still being felt more than a month later, and likely will continue to be felt for years to come. Rebuilding and repairs are underway. Electricity has been restored to many areas, and roads in some of the affected areas have been reopened.

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We're also seeing a ripple effect throughout the supply chain.

For example, manufacturer Iwaki Diecast Co.'s main plant in Yamamato, Japan, is nearly back to full capacity, but according to an article in the Wall Street Journal, the orders have been slow to return. Several of the company's customers are still working to repair their own damage. And shortages from other suppliers are causing major companies – Ford and Toyota, for example – to idle some production until the supply can be restored.

Communication is a key component for recovery. Distributors and manufacturers around the world are trying to reassure their customers.

In its recent earnings report, electronics distributor Avnet wrote: "While it is difficult to gauge the impact of the Japan earthquake and tsunami on our June quarter revenue, we continue to work closely with our suppliers to understand what products are most impacted and meet the needs of our supply chain customers."

Arrow Electronics has provided links on its website to official statements from many of its suppliers in the region.

And 3M is "constantly assessing the situation" as conditions continue to change.

Read about the impact of global events in Publisher Tom Gale's recent commentary: Opportunity from Uncertainty in Today's Roller Coaster Markets.