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I think it would be difficult to say. There are certainly specific products made in Shanghai, but other products made elsewhere may depend on parts made in Sha
by rapjr9 5y ago
I think it would be difficult to say. There are certainly specific products made in Shanghai, but other products made elsewhere may depend on parts made in Shanghai. The shutdown could easily extend to other regions at any time as well so that everything made in China could be affected, and everything that depends on parts from China. But there may be existing stores of products and parts, or workarounds, so if the shutdown doesn't last too long the effects may not be very noticeable. Even if ports are overwhelmed, a lot of product will still be moving, the chain will just be behind in delivering it. There is the supply chain "bullwhip effect" as well:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullwhip_effect https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullwhip_effect
which can cause supply chains to undersupply, then oversupply, then undersupply in cycles. Note that the last supply chain disruption, while it has diminished, is still going on in some ways. I guess I'd expect more of the same, though maybe there are now better ways to work around the disruptions (workers sleeping at the workplace for a few months, etc.) Look at what things in your life you consider essential (car, plumbing, roof, heating, cooling, ...) and think about which might need replacing soon and decide whether to risk it or replace them now (or at least buy the parts). In most cases nonavailability for a while is more of an inconvenience than a crisis. In some cases there's not much you can do (ordering syringes to make sure your family can get vaccinated probably won't help for example). Prescription drugs made in China might be a particular point of concern if supply chain issues caused shortages, though then your doctor would have to understand your concern and agree and write an extended prescription. We've kind of been through this once, so there's a lot to learn from that experience. What problems did the last supply chain disruption cause for you?