We’ve reported on multiple product delays and some outright cancellations over the past two years.
All of it is pretty much related to one central force in the market right now and that is the shortage of chips.
From Nikon’s delayed new wares arriving this October to a lack of available products on shelves for existing lines, the chip shortage is really putting a crunch on producers and consumers.
And it doesn’t look like it will improve anytime soon in 2022.
Engadget reports that the US government is expecting these trends to continue throughout the year as long as COVID-19 numbers continue to decrease and things continue to improve in that regard. But who knows looking forward to what is going to happen, COVID-19 or not, as a potential war in Europe could also have an impact on the global economy in this regard.
In other words, it’s harder now than ever to bring new products to the shelves for many companies and even more difficult to support some ongoing efforts.
US Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo said in a statement:
“The semiconductor supply chain remains fragile, and it is essential that Congress pass chips funding as soon as possible…With sky-rocketing demand and full utilization of existing manufacturing facilities, it’s clear the only solution to solve this crisis in the long-term is to rebuild our domestic manufacturing capabilities.”
Long-term solutions are great and all but, sadly, don’t help much in the here-and-now. Things could improve more quickly than anyone expects. The only problem is that the experts are pretty right on the money so far when it comes to the impact of the chip shortage, giving us little reason to doubt them moving forward.
Has the chip shortage impacted your plans to buy certain electronic products? Let us know your story in the comments below.
Check out some other photography news on Light Stalking at this link right here.
[Engadget]
