In the global economy, semiconductors have become a demanded resource and their scarcity directly impacts the prices and availability of household appliances and technological equipment in Ecuador.
Artificial intelligence, data center and cloud services is where the production of chips, made with semiconductors, is largely directed, which causes a displacement of traditional industries such as home appliances, explains the Association of Home Appliance Stores of Ecuador (Asadelec).
The most affected products include smart refrigerators, washing machines, Smart TVs (4K and 8K), laptops, smartphones and connectivity equipment, all highly dependent on semiconductors.
The prices of these components according to the international market have risen between 20% and 200%, so new inventories will arrive with higher prices and there will be lower availability of products.
The products available in Ecuador were manufactured with previous costs, while the new inventories will arrive with higher prices and lower availability.
“The Ecuadorian consumer must understand that we are facing a global structural change. The products that are on the market today represent an opportunity, because the coming months will bring inevitable increases in prices and possible limitations in supply,” said Nelly Vinueza, executive director of Asadelec.
Asadelec’s recommendation for consumers is to anticipate their purchasing decisions to avoid greater economic impacts in the short term. (YO)
