Like many manufacturing sectors, the lighting industry faces persistent challenges from global supply chain volatility. The reliance on semiconductors, rare-earth elements, and other specialized components sourced from concentrated geographic regions makes it vulnerable to disruptions, as seen during the pandemic and geopolitical tensions. These disruptions lead to extended lead times, component shortages, and increased costs for drivers, controllers, and LEDs. Manufacturers are responding by diversifying suppliers, holding larger inventories of key components, and redesigning products for greater flexibility in part sourcing. Some are exploring near-shoring or regionalizing portions of their supply chain to increase resilience. These strategies, while necessary, may contribute to a new normal of slightly higher costs, testing the industry’s ability to balance reliability with the constant market pressure for affordable, innovative products.
