As the 2025 festive season approaches, computer manufacturers are bracing for a challenging period due to the ongoing global semiconductor chip shortage. This crisis, which began in the early 2020s, continues to disrupt production and supply chains across the tech industry.
Causes of the Shortage
- Surging Demand: The pandemic-era shift to remote work and learning spiked demand for laptops, tablets, and other electronics.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: COVID-19, natural disasters, and geopolitical tensions have caused factory shutdowns and shipping delays.
- Manufacturing Bottlenecks: Building new semiconductor fabs takes years and billions in investment, limiting short-term capacity.
- Raw Material Shortages: Scarcity of critical materials like silicon and neon gas has further strained production.
Impact on Computer Firms
- Production Delays: Many companies are unable to meet demand for laptops, desktops, and components.
- Higher Prices: Limited supply is driving up costs, which are being passed on to consumers.
- Innovation Slowdown: Firms are prioritizing existing models over R&D, potentially stalling technological progress1.
Festive Season Implications
The festive season, typically a peak sales period, is expected to be marked by stock shortages and price hikes. Consumers may face limited availability of popular devices and fewer discounts than usual. Retailers are urging early purchases to avoid disappointment
