Material shortages affected 41.5% of Germany’s computer, electronic and optical goods manufacturers in October 2026, while the share of automotive firms reporting shortages almost tripled to 24.1%, according to the ifo Institute. The research institute says demand for components used in artificial intelligence infrastructure may be adding to supply pressures in electronics.
By Editorial Team. Adapted from the Polish original, published on 14 November 2026 at 08:33 UTC.
Electronics shortages affect more than two in five firms
The share of computer, electronic and optical goods manufacturers reporting shortages of materials and intermediate products rose from 37.8% in September to 41.5% in October. That was an increase of 3.7 percentage points in one month.
Ifo says shortages of intermediate products can disrupt electronics manufacturing. Missing essential components may delay order fulfilment, although the survey does not measure the extent of those delays.
Electrical equipment manufacturers reported a modest improvement. The proportion facing supply difficulties fell from 27.4% to 25.3%.
Automotive firms record the steepest deterioration
The automotive industry saw the largest increase in supply problems. In October, 24.1% of companies reported material shortages, up from 8.9% in September, a rise of 15.2 percentage points.
Machinery manufacturers also faced worsening conditions, with the share reporting shortages of materials and intermediate products increasing from 16.3% to 19.6%. Across German industry as a whole, 15.6% of firms reported supply difficulties, compared with 14.6% a month earlier. Computer and electronics manufacturing continued to have the highest proportion of affected companies.
AI investment may intensify competition for components
Ifo identifies growing global demand for components used to expand AI infrastructure as one possible explanation for the problems in electronics. It cites industry reports of difficulties sourcing some components, particularly printed circuit boards.
Orders linked to AI investment may reduce the availability of parts for other buyers. The institute presents this as a possible explanation, rather than a cause confirmed by the survey.
Chemical producers report fewer supply problems
Conditions improved in the chemical industry. The share of companies reporting shortages of materials and intermediate products fell from 18% in September to 12.3% in October, a decline of 5.7 percentage points.
Source: ifo Institute, “Material Shortages in the German Electronics Industry Worsen”, ifo Business Survey, 13 November 2026.
