Pandemic-Related Shortages

Not Just Toilet Paper

As Americans navigate the next stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, shortages of everyday items are still occurring.

What to Know
Why It Matters

Boom & Burn: Chlorine Shortage

• “A pandemic swimming pool boom” has led to a high demand for chlorine. *But* a major fire at a Louisiana chemical plant has severely impacted production. This plant is one of only three chlorine tablet producers in America & has been closed since August.
• The average price for a 50-pound bucket of chlorine tablets was about $80 last summer. It has now increased to approximately $200.
• Why it matters: Chlorine keeps pools clean & helps maintain safe swimming conditions, protecting people from waterborne illnesses.

Lumber Shortage & Its Impact

• Many sawmills decreased their production when the pandemic hit, expecting the need for lumber to be minimal.
• Instead, the housing market began to surge & lumber production hasn’t been able to meet demand. Due to COVID-related production challenges, the problem still grows.
• Impact on your wallet: “Soaring lumber prices that have tripled over the past 12 months have caused the price of an average new single-family home to increase by $35,872.” (National Assn. of Home Builders)

Computer Chip Shortage

• What computer chips are used for: They are “like tiny brains or memory receptacles” & are essential to most modern appliances such as smartphones, cars, & airplanes.
• How COVID has impacted production: Inventory miscalculations & “uncertainties caused by the pandemic” have “led to sharp swings in orders last year” & widespread shortages.
• Impact: This production delay could result in longer wait times for items like cars, phones, & kitchen appliances until 2022.

From toilet paper to chicken wings to chlorine – the pandemic has resulted in shortages of every kind (at different times). With increased demand and lower supplies for certain goods, this summer could once again be impacted by what *isn’t* available on the shelves.