All articles tagged with #shortages
A large Tokyo electronics retailer, Sofmap Gaming in Akihabara, is begging customers to sell their old gaming PCs as shelves empty due to soaring PC-part prices driven by AI data centers, with RAM and GPUs in short supply and prebuilt PCs potentially rising in price, prompting the call for used rigs and components.
Copper prices have reached a record high due to concerns over tariffs and shortages, reflecting increased demand and supply constraints.
Ukraine has targeted 10 Russian oil refineries, disrupting 17% of Russia's refining capacity and causing shortages and export disruptions, as part of its intensified attacks on Russia's energy sector amidst ongoing conflict.
A cyberattack on United Natural Foods (UNFI), a major distributor for Whole Foods, has caused significant shortages in stores across the U.S., affecting product availability and supply chain operations. The attack, linked to a ransomware campaign by a notorious cybercriminal group, has disrupted distribution systems, leading to empty shelves and logistical challenges, with no clear timeline for resolution. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in the food supply chain and the broader impact of cyberattacks on retail and food industries.
China is intensifying efforts to prevent the illegal export of rare earth minerals, which are vital for various industries, leading to increased shortages globally. The government has halted legal exports of certain rare earths and magnets, requiring export licenses for any future shipments, as part of a broader strategy to tighten control over the industry and use it as a geopolitical tool.
The global cocoa market is facing unprecedented shortages, leading to a relentless rally in prices that has upended physical trading and is now filtering rapidly through to the futures market. Poor harvests in West Africa, climate change, and crop disease have sparked a third year of shortages, with fears of long-lasting impacts. The surge in cocoa prices is causing stress across the industry, with companies like Barry Callebaut and Acomo NV feeling the pinch. The shortages are roiling the futures market, forcing traders to come up with more money to cover margin calls and creating a vicious circle. The industry is bracing for a tough market and potentially higher prices, with concerns about liquidity in the futures market drying up.
Protests in Cuba reflect frustrations over food and electricity shortages amid a serious economic crisis, while the World Happiness Report highlights generational differences in happiness.
Older weight loss drugs are making a comeback as newer medications like Zepbound and Wegovy remain out of reach for many patients due to insurance hurdles and shortages. Patients are turning to older prescription medicines like Ozempic and Saxenda, which are more affordable and come with different side effects. The prescription rates for these older drugs, such as bupropion and phentermine, have increased significantly in recent years. However, the popularity of new drugs has led to a boom in weight-loss prescriptions overall. Doctors are reaching for these older medicines as alternatives, but they must balance the benefits with potential risks, such as muscle loss and malnutrition. Patients are hopeful for better access to newer drugs like Zepbound, but insurance coverage remains a challenge.
Older weight loss drugs are making a comeback as newer medications like Zepbound and Wegovy remain out of reach for many patients due to insurance hurdles and shortages. Patients are turning to older prescription medicines like Ozempic and Saxenda, which are more affordable and come with different side effects. The prescription rates for these older drugs, such as bupropion and phentermine, have increased significantly in recent years. However, the popularity of new drugs has led to a boom in weight-loss prescriptions overall. While the newer medications have shown dramatic benefits, they also come with potential risks such as muscle loss and malnutrition. Patients are hoping for better access to newer drugs like Zepbound, which is now available but still faces insurance denials and shortages.
Pediatricians are expressing frustration and concern over persistent shortages of nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody shot that was hailed as a game-changer in preventing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts a bad RSV season this year, and the shortage of the drug has led to the CDC stepping in to help distribute doses. Doctors report turning away parents seeking the shot for their babies, and some hospitals are prioritizing shots for vulnerable infants, despite supply constraints. The manufacturer, Sanofi, cites unprecedented demand as the cause of the shortage. Transparency from the manufacturer has been an issue, hindering equitable allocation planning. Short-term solutions are being implemented, but gaps in access to the drug remain.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended rationing Sanofi's Beyfortus, a monoclonal antibody product used to protect infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), due to shortages. The CDC advises prioritizing available doses for infants under 6 months and those with underlying health conditions at higher risk of severe illness from RSV. The shortage is attributed to high demand and limited manufacturing capacity. The CDC also recommends alternative options, such as Pfizer's Abrysvo vaccine for pregnant individuals and the use of Synagis for eligible children in the 2023-24 season. RSV is a common cause of hospitalization in infants, and while RSV deaths are not common in the US, pediatric hospitals are overwhelmed with RSV cases each year.
Hospitals in Gaza are facing a dire situation as air strikes and shortages push them to the brink, with medical facilities at risk of turning into morgues. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with limited access to medical supplies and electricity exacerbating the already strained healthcare system. The situation highlights the urgent need for international assistance to address the escalating crisis in Gaza.
Clorox warns that a cyberattack in August has caused "wide-scale disruptions" in its operations, potentially leading to product delays and shortages. The attack damaged portions of the company's IT infrastructure, prompting Clorox to take certain systems offline for remediation. While production has resumed at most manufacturing sites, the company cannot estimate how long it will take to fully normalize operations. Clorox anticipates a material impact on its Q1 financial results and is still evaluating the extent of the financial and business impact. The perpetrator of the cyberattack is unknown at this time.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has admitted that the country lacks the necessary firepower, including ammunition, drones, aircraft, and communications equipment, for the ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite ramping up military production, Putin said that "many things were missing" and that Russia lacks these resources quantitatively. This is the second time this week that Putin has spoken about shortages in Russia's military arsenal. Western experts and officials have also noted that Russia's supplies of advanced weaponry and equipment have been hit hard by the war in Ukraine.
Air travel will be impacted by supply chain issues in 2023, particularly in engine parts, which could delay the delivery of new aircraft from manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. A scarcity of air traffic control staff is also likely to be a problem in 2023. Despite these challenges, airlines are expected to return to profitability in 2023, having navigated a challenging post-pandemic period, with airports also scrambling to get back on their feet.