The cost of the global chip shortage varies depending on the company and the industry. However, it is estimated to be in the billions of dollars.
For example, the automotive industry is expected to lose billions of dollars in revenue due to production slowdowns and shutdowns caused by the shortage of chips. Automakers may also incur additional costs for things like airfreight, expedited shipping, and increased inventory carrying costs.
According to a report by the International Data Corporation (IDC), the global chip shortage is expected to reduce production levels in the automotive and consumer electronics industries by 20-30% in the first half of 2021.

In the consumer electronics industry, the shortage of chips could lead to higher production costs for companies, as they compete for limited supplies of chips and potentially pay premium prices to secure the components they need. This increase in production costs could be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for electronic devices.
The same report by IDC estimates that the shortage will increase the costs for the automotive and consumer electronics industries by 10-15% in the first half of 2021.

The telecommunications industry may also face higher costs as a result of the shortage, as they work to secure the chips they need to build and upgrade their networks. As stated in Quarterly Bulletin 2Q 2023 Bank Negara Malaysia, “Due to 5G technology, the latest phones will require 40% more electrical components compared to previous versions.”
A study by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) found that technology companies are expected to spend an additional $37 billion on chips in 2021 due to the shortage.

It’s difficult to estimate the exact cost of the global chip shortage to companies, as it depends on a range of factors, including the industry, the specific company, and the duration of the shortage. However, it’s clear that the shortage is having a significant financial impact on companies across multiple industries.
According to a report by the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF), the global chip shortage is estimated to result in losses of tens of billions of dollars for the technology and automotive industries in the first half of 2021.

Other than financial impact, the the global chip shortage has had significant impacts on various industries in various other ways including:
- Automotive industry: The shortage of chips has caused delays in vehicle production and has resulted in car manufacturers having to temporarily shut down factories. This has resulted in reduced production levels, increased costs, and reduced profits for the automotive industry.
- Consumer electronics: The shortage of chips has impacted the production of popular consumer electronics such as smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles, causing delays in product launches and making it difficult for consumers to purchase these products.
- Supply chain disruption: The shortage of chips has disrupted the entire supply chain, causing delays in the delivery of raw materials and finished products. This has resulted in increased costs and reduced efficiency for businesses across a wide range of industries.
- Price increases: The shortage of chips has led to increased prices for a range of products, as companies try to offset the increased costs associated with the shortage.
- Reduced economic growth: The global chip shortage is having a negative impact on the global economy, as reduced production levels, increased costs, and supply chain disruptions result in reduced economic growth.
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