Microchip shortage causes $240 billion loss for US economy in 2021

According to analysts, a shortage of microchips in manufacturing processes in the US cost the US economy $240 billion last year, with electronics companies bearing the brunt of the impact.

According to CBS, disruptions were caused by the closure of key chip production sites in Asia owing to the epidemic.

The CEO of the Optimal Design company, Sajid Patel, told CBS on Friday that in some instances, production had to be scaled back because chips were unavailable, adding that "I think it's important for us to make this product in the United States. We're not making enough of it now. We have to make more of it. And the only way that you do that is to have more plants. And so this is the investment, frankly, in the future. It's not that far off."

The microchip scarcity has also hampered automobile production. Instead of driving immediately to the showroom, Ford vehicles were transported to parking lots from the assembly line where they waited for chips.

As a result, Ford lost $210 billion. The scarcity is predicted to worsen in the near future, but domestic chip manufacturing is expected to increase, with Intel announcing the development of a chip facility in the state of Ohio.