Title: There's a global shortage of computer chips – what's causing it? | New Scientist
Headings: There's a global shortage of computer chips – what's causing it?
There's a global shortage of computer chips – what's causing it?
What is causing the shortages?
Advertisement
Was there any backup stock of computer chips?
Read more: Virtual computer chip tests expose flaws and protect against hackers
Why can’t chip manufacturers just increase output to meet demand?
How will this affect me?
Read more: The superconductor breakthrough that could mean an energy revolution
Which manufacturers are affected?
How long will it last?
More on these topics:

Content: According to research firm IHS Markit, 672,000 fewer vehicles than usual will have been made in the first quarter of 2021 as a result. At the same time, there was a rush for home office items like laptops and smartphones, vital because many people transitioned to working from home. There was a similar rush for games consoles, so that people had something to do to keep their minds off the global pandemic. The big factories supplying manufacturers switched from making car components to smartphone, laptop and tablet chips instead. In fact, production is going stronger than ever in terms of total sales, and the problem is as much about demand as supply. The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) says that chip sales in January 2021 hit $40 billion, which is up 13.2 per cent on the same month last year. Now car sales have picked up again and the result is that companies across several industries are fighting to get priority in factory order books. Was there any backup stock of computer chips? Many companies operate with low stock levels to keep costs down and are now rushing to replenish supplies. Supply chains are stressed or broken and nobody knows what to expect.