The fast growth of new technologies means that demand is outstripping supply for universal components such as semiconductors and MLCCs.
The burgeoning smartphone and IoT markets are putting additional strain on already stretched manufacturers of microchips, but there is still demand for older technologies that also use microchips, such as the automotive industry.
As microchip producers choose to focus their limited resources on the technologies that have better profit margins, other industries are left wanting.
Increased production of microchips requires an increased supply of semiconductors, and manufacturers are struggling to keep up with demand.