Technology: Manufacturers ration chips – delivery time of more than 52 weeks

Munich. Anyone who orders semiconductors is increasingly being put off by manufacturers. Some producers are now citing delivery times of 52 weeks or more, says Dominik Zillner, head of the electronics service provider Components at Service from Oberhaching. This means that it is completely unclear when the chip companies will make the goods available.

Zillner adds that customers often only receive part of their order quantity at the moment. In addition, the components have become significantly more expensive: “Some suppliers have already increased the prices four times this year.”

Wholesalers, analysts, consultants and chip customers agree that this is just the beginning of a new semiconductor shortage - and that buyers will have to order well in advance so that warehouses don't empty. Without a steady supply of chips, Germany's auto industry, mechanical engineering and even the chemical and energy industries will quickly come to a standstill.