Our current predictions are:
Consumers and tax payers (because "consumers" include governmental institutions) will - once again - be faced with unprecedented price surges (hence "imported inflation") and hardware shortages; it will be worse than during the pandemic.
It will stay this way at least until the end of 2027, possibly until 2030 (see interview with the Micron CEO)
Consumer hardware will - if available at all - see downgrades in specs instead of the usual upgrades. A positive aspect: Maybe we'll see even more spec-efficient hardware (like Apple M chips).
It is possible that one or more of the consumer hardware branches of large producers (think Acer, Asus, Dell, Lenovo..) will not survive 2026/2027
It is likely that several IT-hardware resellers (the ones that e.g. supply schools or companies with 10.000+ devices) will not survive, either.
Even longstanding agreements with fixed pricing are not worth their paper. All of our suppliers are openly in breach of contract - but since we all don't have an alternative, you can't do much without suing. We still refrain from that since it's costly and not good for business, but it might end up in a legal war.
You know a company who hasn't increased prices on this occasion? Apple. But they are famous for their control over its supply chain.
