The COVID-19 pandemic paired with natural disasters and changes in demands has led to supply chain issues and current shortages of products. However, the specific products that fall short of demand often change.
We have all the information on the current shortages in the U.S. Keep reading to learn about current shortages and how you can prepare and adapt.
Plastics
Natural disasters in 2021 destroyed plastic chemical plants in the United States. In addition, a reinstated tax on imported resins has kept supplies from purchasing plastic resin from outside the country. As a result, there has been a shortage of plastic resin for 12 months.
The plastic shortage has impacted a variety of products but most of all the bottled-water industry. You have probably noticed a shortage of distilled water in stores. However, if you’re a distilled water purchaser, there are still places where you can find distilled water by searching for distilled water near me.
Construction Materials
Building materials for both commercial and home products are in short supply and have been since the start of the pandemic in 2020. It started with lockdowns and a shortage in labor supply while at the same people were spending more time at home and had more time for home projects. Thus, demand grew quickly while supplies dwindled just as fast.
Lumber and garage doors have especially suffered. In 2021, wildfires in the western U.S. diminished much of the country’s softwood supply. Then, mudslides and flooding delayed shipments. Thus, 2022 continues to see a delay in the supply of construction materials and current shortages.
Semiconductor Chips and Consumer Electronics
There are a few reasons why there is a current shortage in semiconductor ships and subsequently electronics. First, the pandemic kept workers out of the semiconductor chip factories, resulting in labor shortages and production delays.
Secondly, more and more products use semiconductor chips. Everything from your computer to household appliances to cars has some sort of microchip necessary for smart functioning.
Thirdly, as products become more advanced, they require more semiconductor chips per product. Basically, the demand for semiconductor chips has continued to grow rapidly over the last few years but the supply has not been able to catch up since the start of the pandemic.
As a result, there remains a shortage in consumer electronics as well as vehicles.
Pet Food
Shortages of ingredients and packaging materials as well as shipping delays have led to a widespread pet food shortage. Ingredients such as chicken and grains have seen production delays since labor shortages in 2020.
The aluminum industry is also behind due to tight supply and a rise in energy costs associated with production. Thus, canned cat and dog food are in short supply.
In addition, there have been many shortages among truck drivers due to illness. Trucking is the primary way of transporting pet food.
One other reason for the pet food shortage is the fact that demand increased alongside the increase in pet ownership during the pandemic.
Food Products
Current food shortages are the result of current supply chain shortages, particularly those that rely on shipping and chemicals.
Products like avocados, pasta, milk, and other grains are expected to continue to be delayed and understocked. This is because these products rely on human labor and the continuation of new COVID-19 variants continues to cause current labor shortages and shut-downs.
In addition, shortages in fertilizers and pesticides result in smaller crop yields right now as well as throughout 2022.
Don’t Worry! Our Frugal Living Tips Can Help
Supply chain issues and delays continue to cause current shortages that can be frustrating and difficult. However, we have all the tips you need to work around these shortages. Check out all our frugal living and thrifty business posts to learn more!