Periodic shortages of goods are not uncommon, but ongoing supply disruptions may pose a long-term challenge for global trade. A combination of factors, including facility issues, fragile supply chains, production capacity, climate change, and labor and truck driver shortages, have led to a current crisis in the supply chain.
While the empty shelves seen in 2020 and 2021 may not continue, the problem is not yet solved and it could take several years to fully resolve shortages, particularly in the semiconductor industry which affects production of various electronics. It may be difficult to predict when certain products will be back in stock, but consumers can take action by purchasing items now to avoid higher prices and shortages later.