What's with all the supply shortages? 5 On Your Side gets answers

And 2021 is no different, just with more products.

From computer chips to coffee, it's all impacted by the global supply chain.

"They're links in a chain and if one link fails, then everything slows down," explained Mark Schumacher, CEO of the North American Home Furnishings Association.

He says a huge part of the problem is a shortage of shipping containers.

Many sit on ships waiting to be unloaded because they can't find workers.

"Our ports right now are in horrific shape when it comes to the ability to get workers, to unload cargo," he said. "Drivers to drive the trucks in and then the rail cars to put the containers on."

Schumacher tracks delays for more than 1,400 retailers nationwide.

Furniture is a common product stuck at ports, along with electronics, appliances, food and apparel.

Exacerbating delays, that sideways ship that blocked the Suez Canal. It was filled with nearly 20,000 shipping containers and blocked more than 100 other vessels, each carrying thousands of containers packed with products.

The domino effect is mind-boggling.

For example, many of the containers likely carry materials needed to make semiconductors, the chips used in everything from cell phones and computers to electric vacuums and cars.

"There's going to be shortages of electronic components on and off for the next six months," warned NC State University supply chain expert Robert Handfield.

He says it worsens a new car shortage triggered by the automotive industry's initial thinking the pandemic would cause a drop in demand.

Instead, the industry exploded.

"The automotive companies said, `well, we're not going to need as many semiconductors,' so they stopped buying them. And then, when they started to realize they needed them and started to buy them, they weren't available," Handfield said.

Some other impacts:

Construction is hit hard by a resin shortage, a foam shortage is impacting furniture orders, wood pulp issues are impact diapers, and there's a shortage of chlorine for pools.

"It's a tough time to be in business, even though sales are strong," Schumacher said.

And of course, when demand is up, prices go up, too.

It might be next year before some of these latest issues are worked out.

The good news, sanitizing wipes, toilet paper and paper towels are back.

So 5 On Your Side says, "let's embrace that."