Chip shortage sees spike in new computer product prices

A global chip, or semiconductor shortage, is pushing new computer prices higher along with the demand for IT devices as more and more people turn to remote work and schooling. Somsak Pejthaveeporndej, chief executive of VST ECS Thailand, says the worldwide shortage includes integrated circuits that are used in a wide range of devices such as computers and IT products. Somsak says the company’s inventory for computer products has dropped from around 30 days to 15 days, after the chip shortage emerged in the middle of last year.

Even though he says the problem is expected to improve by the end of the year, new computer products, which include graphics cards, memory storage devices, and CPUs, have increased their prices anywhere from 950 to 6,300 baht.

Takon Niyomthai, head of IT business development at SET-listed IT retail chain Com7, says computer makers are focused on sending higher quality products to Europe and the US rather than Thailand, because they can charge a higher price. But in Thailand, he says entry-level notebook inventory is only 1 week long as demand is strong among locals clients.

“Notebooks, tablets and tailor-made computer desktops have shown strong growth in sales. More vaccination sites also means they need more computers for registration and data validation. Computers are also needed by freelancers and new businesses.”

Chukkrit Watcharasaksilp, chief of sales and marketing at Advice, says the company is moving towards offering drive-through pick ups via its website as online orders have surged. Graphic cards, hard disks, and entry-level notebooks have also increased due to the shortage of components.

Meanwhile, Narathip Wirunechatapant, chief executive of IT retailer Jaymart Mobile, says the smartphone sector has not been impacted as much as computer suppliers. He says the company redesigned Jaymartstore.com to allow customers to use digital token JFin coins to buy products.

“Our growth remains intact as there is still demand for smartphones costing 5,000-15,000 baht.”

SOURCE: Bangkok Post