Much of the problem is down to the "Just in time" ethos which has some great advantages in reducing costs to manufacturers and is undeniably more efficient.
So, rather than Mega Manufacturing Corp having warehouses full of components they rely on suppliers delivering components direct to point and time of use; you often see lorries being unloaded directly onto a manufacturing line.
...and it cascades down, MMCs supplier will operate on a similar principle and so on and so forth...
However it is susceptible to to even very minor disruption, it is a house of cards on an unstable foundation and there is little or no buffer.
Brexit was manageable, and was being managed. What little buffer there was was enough to maintain the supply chains. Throw in Covid and it all goes ---- up.
This is not over, not even sure its fully begun in that the supply chains are still collapsing.
When that has finished there'll be some big decisions to make...
Have you heard the phrase "Build back better" 'They' know what is about to happen, the shortages that will ensue, the unrest it will generate and are taking steps to control this.
Power shortages.
Food shortages.
Fuel shortages.
Civil disorder.
I'm going long on flares and Choppers, it's going to be the 70s all over again.
Whilst the plebs are worrying about getting the latest Chinese plastic gonk in time for Christmas stock up on dried goods, candles and camping gas.
Don't have nightmares.