The end of the shortages, which affect in particular semiconductors, will not come before "
several quarters
" even if "
the peak is rather behind us
", declared Sunday Thierry Breton, the European commissioner for the internal market.
Read alsoThe lack of chips, a blow for Volkswagen and Stellantis
"
It will not last, but it will not be erased in three months either
", judged Thierry Breton in the program "
Political questions
" (France info / Inter / Le Monde).
"
I think the peak is rather behind us, but to return to normal it will take several more quarters,
" he added, referring to a possible normalization of demand next summer.
A global crisis
Since the start of the year, faced with the rebound in demand and supply disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, some sectors have struggled to keep up, such as semiconductors, produced mainly in Asia and essential in electronics.
The automotive sector, where semiconductors such as microchips are ubiquitous, is probably the most affected.
In the third quarter, auto factories have thus chained the days of closures.
Globally, across the industry, shortages could prevent the production of 7.7 million vehicles worldwide in 2021, according to AlixPartners, for a shortfall of 180 billion euros.
In another register, manufacturers of video game consoles are also struggling to keep up with demand.
Asked by journalists on the effect of the shortages on Christmas, Mr. Breton declared that "
there will undoubtedly be a little delay, but we are not in front of an absolutely dramatic shortage
".
