How long can we expect the chip shortage to last?

As the chip shortage continues, major companies from across a number of industries weigh in on how long the shortage is likely to last. Top Business Tech takes a look.

With the combination of consumer demands during the pandemic, restrictions on manufacturing sites, and the launch of new highly-anticipated games consoles, phones and tablets, the shortage of semi-conductors has continued to damage a number of industries, from cars to appliances. Given this, how long might we expect the shortage to last?

This chip shortage can be observed across all industries, as consumer products such as toasters and washing machines are now also feeling the pinch of the shortage, according to Asian suppliers. South Korea’s Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics project the shortage lasting far into 2022, according to the Financial Times

The automotive industry also continues to also feel the impact of the chip shortage, as the worlds second-largest carmaker, Volkswagen Group, forecasts the second quarter of losses. Wayne Griffiths, president of Volkswagen’s Spanish brand Seat, said that the shortage is the “biggest challenge” that the company faces right now. 

When asked about the shortage, the Chief of Cisco, Chuck Robbins, told the BBC:  “We think we’ve got another six months to get through the short term. The providers are building out more capacity. And that’ll get better and better over the next 12 to 18 months.”

The solution

Intel Corp’s new Chief Executive, Pat Gelsinger, reiterates that this consumer demand shortage is likely to persist into 2023. Given this news, it is no surprise that Intel announced a US$20bn plan to increase production, part of which will include the creation of two new plants in Arizona. 

In addition to this, US President Biden’s administration has pledged US$50bn towards supporting the production of semiconductors in the US. Gelsinger said to Yahoo! Finance Live: “We think the $50bn [from the administration] is a great first step, and we fully support the Jobs Act.”

READ MORE: 

He continued:  “We are seeing good bipartisan support for the $50 billion in manufacturing. But we believe the need to be bigger than that. And I have suggested our moonshot objective of being back to 30% plus [U.S. chip production]. We believe that’s going to require more than $50bn. But given the administration and the bipartisan support, this is a great place to start. We are fully behind it and anxious to get the wheels moving.”

Despite a drop in shares following Intel’s first-quarter results, Gelsinger remains steadfast: “I think every quarter in the year we are going to be building back that momentum.”

“Overall, it’s going to take a little bit. There were bad decisions made in the past, issues we have to work through in our execution. But I will tell you, the energy is back. The passion is back. The excitement is back in our teams. And we believe every quarter this year you are going to see more and more momentum as we get our process and product teams executing.” 

For more news from Top Business Tech, don’t forget to subscribe to our daily bulletin for the latest technology news!

Amber Donovan-Stevens

Amber is a Content Editor at Top Business Tech

Why DEIB is Imperative to Tech’s Future

Hadas Almog from AppsFlyer • 17th March 2025

We’ve been seeing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives being cut time and time again throughout the tech industry. DEIB dedicated roles have been eliminated, employee resource groups have lost funding, and initiatives once considered crucial have been deprioritised in favour of “more immediate business needs.” The justification for these cuts is often the...

The need to eradicate platform dependence

Sue Azari • 10th March 2025

The advertising industry is undergoing a seismic shift. Connected TV (CTV), Retail Media Networks (RMNs), and omnichannel strategies are rapidly redefining how brands engage with consumers. As digital privacy regulations evolve and platform dynamics shift, advertisers must recognise a fundamental truth. You cannot build a sustainable business on borrowed ground. The recent uncertainty surrounding TikTok...

The need to clean data for effective insight

David Sheldrake • 05th March 2025

There is more data today than ever before. In fact, the total amount of data created, captured, copied, and consumed globally has now reached an incredible 149 zettabytes. The growth of the big mountain is not expected to slow down, either, with it expected to reach almost 400 zettabytes within the next three years. Whilst...

What can be done to democratize VDI?

Dennis Damen • 05th March 2025

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) offers businesses enhanced security, scalability, and compliance, yet it remains a niche technology. One of the biggest barriers to widespread adoption is a severe talent gap. Many IT professionals lack hands-on VDI experience, as their careers begin with physical machines and increasingly shift toward cloud-based services. This shortage has created a...

Tech and Business Outlook: US Confident, European Sentiment Mixed

Viva Technology • 11th February 2025

The VivaTech Confidence Barometer, now in its second edition, reveals strong confidence among tech executives regarding the impact of emerging technologies on business competitiveness, particularly AI, which is expected to have the most significant impact in the near future. Surveying tech leaders from Europe and North America, 81% recognize their companies as competitive internationally, with...

How smart labels are transforming supply chains

Sharath Muddaiah • 27th January 2025

As e-commerce continues to rise globally, the impact of just-in-time manufacturing and rising consumer expectations mean the need for real-time visibility has never been greater. Smart labels directly address this demand, offering solutions to long-standing challenges like shipment delays, theft, and the lack of traceability. With the smart label market projected to grow from $14.1...

The rise of loyalty apps

Sue Azari • 17th January 2025

Increased choice and a consumer more price sensitive than ever before, has made customers far more likely to shop around for the best deals. Price is now the number one factor in brand consideration. In an effort to bag a bargain, loyalty programs have become increasingly popular with consumers, with nine out of ten in...