Supply-chain woes have mounted world-wide for makers of everything from cars to clothing. Here is what you need to know about the situation.
What’s the problem?
An imbalance in semiconductor supplies and demand, a Texas February freeze, a ship blocking the Suez Canal and other problems collectively have limited the availability of key materials to manufacturers around the world. The disruptions have created cost increases and delays for numerous industries, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers.
What products have been affected by the supply-chain crisis?
Semiconductors have been in short supply for months after makers of cars, smartphones, PCs, tablets and TVs underestimated expectations during the pandemic, before ramping up orders that caught chip manufacturers unprepared. Meanwhile, a fire at an automotive-chip factory in Japan further snarled the chip supply chain.
