Supply chain disruption threatens Black Friday shopping

Retailers are racing to import the goods and gadgets for consumers to buy during holiday shopping season, the growing list of shortages has made it difficult for them to find enough stock.

Due to inflation concerns, consumers expect higher prices, delays, and opportunistic resellers as Black Friday and Cyber Monday draw closer.

Supply chain problems are getting worse. Gadgets are particularly vulnerable to shortages because they include many different components including chips, outer shells, and screens.

Demand for these components has run up against efforts to contain Covid-19 in the countries where the production and assembly actually take place.

China’s situation is a consequence of several interwoven problems, including a global surge in fossil fuel prices; a dispute between China and Australia, one main supplier of coal; and China’s efforts to curb pollution ahead of the Winter Olympic Games.