< Key Hightlight >

Supply chains in the communications industry faced a near perfect storm in 2020 caused by the coronavirus pandemic and U.S.-China trade war. In the first quarter of 2021, those same factors continue to adversely affect the industry, despite the revenue growth brought by WFH (Work-From-Home) and 5G products. If upstream suppliers’ component shortage causes suppliers of finished products to be unable to deliver orders, most vendors will have to take on potential operational risk. This report looks into some of the reasons the shortage exists, an overview of the impact on the communications equipment, and examines the component supply and shortage in 2021.