Semiconductor shortage dampening festive spirit for electronics, auto firms

The global semiconductor shortage is hitting the Indian mobiles, consumer electronics and automotive sectors hard in the midst of the festive season when sales usually peak, with the automobile industry understood to have piled up around 5 lakh pending orders.

While customers usually get bargain deals or handsome festive discounts during this period, this time they are paying higher for a host of items ranging from mobile handsets and TVs to cars due to the chip shortage. Freebies have vanished from most of the automotive showrooms as manufacturers struggle to meet demand.

“If you look at the demand parameters, which is reflected in bookings or in queries, they are very good. However, the supply side this year unfortunately is a little muted because of this semiconductor issue.