The structural shortage of resistors is reshaping the supply landscape.

After the global chip shortage trend gradually eased in the past few years, the market once believed that the supply of electronic components had stabilized. However, this was not the case. Starting from 2026, the resistance category among passive components has shown a significant structural shortage trend.
Unlike a general shortage, the core of this change lies in the fact that the supply of ordinary resistors is sufficient, with stable prices and even a decrease. While high-end and specific application resistors remain in short supply and prices rise, with extended delivery times. This imbalance of shortage in specific types, specific regions, and specific periods is called structural shortage.

What does structural shortage mean?

Structural shortage of resistors refers to the sufficient supply and stable prices (even a decrease) of low-end general models. While high-end special application resistors are in short supply and prices rise, with extended delivery times. This unbalanced shortage in specific types, specific regions, and specific periods is called structural shortage.

Notes: The demand growth is concentrated in the "high performance + high reliability" field, but the production capacity cannot keep up with the demand.

Three types of critical resistors

1. Current detection resistor
This type of resistor is used in scenarios such as electric vehicle BMS, power management systems, and energy storage devices. It is characterized by ultra-low resistance, high power tolerance, and high accuracy (±1% or even higher).

• Reasons for shortage
• Explosion in the growth of new energy vehicles
• Increased battery safety requirements leading to increased usage

2. Thin-film precision resistor
This type of resistor is used in scenarios such as AI servers, medical equipment, and industrial control systems. It is characterized by high precision (±0.1% / ±0.01%), low temperature drift (low TCR), and high stability.

• Reasons for shortage
• Increased signal precision requirements for AI devices
• Upgrade of industrial automation

3. Automotive-grade resistor 

• Characteristics
• Certified by AEC-Q200
• Suitable for high-temperature, high-humidity and high-vibration environments
• Long lifecycle (5–10 years)
• Reasons for shortage
• Increased automotive electronicization
• The usage of new energy vehicles is much higher than that of traditional vehicles

The three core industries contributing to the shortage of resistors

1. Electric Vehicles (EV)

• The demand for current detection and power managers has skyrocketed
• The usage of resistors per vehicle has significantly increased

2. Artificial Intelligence and Data Centers

• The demand for high-precision resistors has increased
• The complexity of server power supplies has risen

3. Industrial Automation

• Higher requirements for stability and lifespan
• The long replacement cycle leads to continuous demand

Price and delivery trend

Notes: The difficulty of procurement depends on "specification", not on "whether it is a resistor"

Domestic substitution trend

In the context of unstable supply, more and more customers are beginning to accept alternative brands, such as:

• Fuhua High-tech
• Houcheng Electronics

If there is any need, please contact us and we can provide the most suitable replacement solution. 

Conclusion

The resistance market in 2026 is no longer a simple shortage issue; instead, it is a structural differentiation characterized by a shortage of high-end resistors and an excess of general-purpose resistors. For purchasers and suppliers, the one who can more quickly identify changes in demand, secure key models, and provide flexible alternative solutions will be able to take the initiative in the market changes.