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An overview of the global electronic component shortage
2023-07-31 18:18:53
Posted by eGuidezhan
Category: 海外市況
In recent years, the electronic components market has been grappling with significant upheavals, marked by price hikes, shortages, and the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard components. These challenges have thrown the global component supply chain into turmoil, with prospects of a quick resolution appearing bleak. Let's delve into the key events that have shaped the landscape in the past few years.
Throughout 2022, component shortages exhibited fluctuating patterns. Initial projections, including those of Intel's Pat Gelsinger, had suggested a balance between demand and supply by late 2022 and early 2023. However, in February, the situation took an unforeseen turn with the emergence of a new wave of Covid-19 lockdowns in China. The stringent "Zero Tolerance Policy" implemented during this period affected numerous chip manufacturing plants, including Samsung Electronics' NAND factory in Shanghai and Xi'an, complicating the recovery process.
Soon after, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia added further complexities. The human toll and subsequent chip recovery costs were substantial. Sanctions imposed on Russia triggered an energy crisis in Europe, leading to increased raw material prices and transportation costs amid the ongoing shortages. Notably, despite rising prices and diminished consumer demand for personal electronics, the automotive sector continued to witness strong demand, reaching unprecedented levels.
Semiconductor shortages witnessed varying dynamics throughout 2022. While scarcities of certain advanced components eased as consumer electronics demand waned, the industry grappled with excess inventory, leading several chipmakers to strategically curtail output to avoid exacerbating the glut. However, shortages persisted, and some experts predict that the process of resolution may extend over several years.
The automotive industry faced a particularly severe shortage of automotive chips, severely impacting production. Global automakers, such as Honda, Volkswagen, Toyota, and Stellantis, were compelled to make significant production cuts, with even Ford experiencing a backlog of over 40,000 unfinished vehicles awaiting chip completion. This scenario not only affected prominent automakers but also impacted various auto parts manufacturers seeking a steady chip supply. McKinsey & Company's reports indicate that the automotive chip shortage could extend until 2025, and in some scenarios, even linger until 2030, dimming hopes of a swift recovery in 2023.
Amidst these challenges, however, there are efforts to address the situation. Leading chipmakers, facing surplus inventory, have proactively redirected their focus toward augmenting auto parts production capacity. Companies like Samsung Electronics, Yageo, and SK Hynix are among those taking initiatives to increase car production capacity, with the aim of alleviating the automotive chip shortage. Despite the likelihood of a complete resolution only by 2024, these efforts offer a glimmer of hope, as they pave the way for improved cooperation between chipmakers and automakers and foster resilience against future shortages.
As we embark on 2023, suppliers remain committed to assisting a global audience in sourcing elusive components to maintain smooth production operations. This marks the final update on the 2022 shortage scenario. In January, we will bring you the latest news on shortages, aiding in your preparation for the challenges ahead and the issue of excess inventory.
https://www.tech-sparks.com/component-shortage/
