Microchip shortages are not new, even though a shortage of this magnitude is new. The industry has become highly competitive and demand often outpaces supply. Even ~5 years ago we saw a shortage in crystal oscillators because of the demand and those aren't even full microchips! So putting the brakes on any part of microchip supply chain will have devastating effects. On the plus side, this may create an opportunity for competition. On the negative side, we'll see higher prices on consumer products: > Computer manufacturers Dell, HP and Lenovo have warned their prices are likely to rise... And sadly this will be another angle that government and central banks will use to hide the inflation they're creating at the same time. Competition will come but prices will likely stay at their inflated levels.