Moreover, shortages have become more severe in recent weeks. Glass production lines have been shut down for lack of soda ash and increased supplies are a year or more away. Shortages of plastic materials are cutting production of various products. Foreign prices for plastic materials and for steel are well above U.S. prices. Most steel order books have been closed for the year.
Inventories are low generally.
Some retailers report slower sales. Labor turnover is high. Some firms are hoarding fuel. Paper, synthetic fibers, and chemicals are especially strong. Electrical components are in short supply.