It's not that simple. Modern (just-in-time) practices have created a situation where a single change in customer demand leads to widespread supply shocks. Take

It's not that simple. Modern (just-in-time) practices have created a situation where a single change in customer demand leads to widespread supply shocks. Take a look at the beer game[0] for a smaller version of real life. That's what happened here - lockdowns led to a single change in customer demand for a wide variety of goods both on the personal side(more people at home -> snacks, food, toiletpaper that would have been used up at work started being needed at home), and on the commercial side (no people in the office: no ongoing bulk papertowels/toiletpaper/vending machines/office supplies). [0] https://www.shmula.com/the-bullwhip-effect/310/ https://www.shmula.com/the-bullwhip-effect/310/