Acer says global chip shortage 'gradually easing' Updated / Tuesday, 6 Apr 2021 07:54 Consumers have stocked up on laptops, gaming consoles and other electronic products during the pandemic, leading to tighter inventory A global shortage of chips for mid-end consumer products is starting to ease and will be much better come the second half of the year, according to a senior executive at Taiwan's leading computer seller Acer. From delayed car deliveries to a supply shortfall in home appliances to costlier smartphones, businesses and consumers across the globe are facing the brunt of an unprecedented shortage in semiconductor microchips. Originally concentrated in the auto industry, the shortage has now spread to a range of other consumer electronics, including smartphones, refrigerators and microwaves.