There is a part of chaos theory in mathematics called "The Butterfly Effect." The story is a butterfly flapping its wings in South America produces wind that sets off a chain reaction leading to hurricanes somewhere else in the world.
A bit extreme, perhaps, but the idea is distant events can have a big impact in faraway places.
Right now, we are seeing this with cars and trucks.
Microchips are essential to the manufacture of new vehicles. Almost all microchips come from China, where COVID-19 severely slowed production and caused a worldwide shortage.
That in turn has led to slowdowns at automakers everywhere. They need the microchips to make vehicles. They can't get them so they aren't making as many new cars. And that means many dealers can't get enough new inventory to satisfy consumer demand.
In turn, that's led to a price increase in the used car market as many customers turn there for a new ride.
According to a recent analysis by ISeeCars.com, used car prices have jumped an average of 20.4% in Arkansas since last year. That works out to about $4,994 per vehicle.
Texas, with its larger population and potential inventory of used vehicles, saw prices rise about 16%, or $3,890 per car.
That's good if you have a car to sell. Not so good if you are looking to buy.
It's not just cars and trucks either. So many products we use, from smartphones and laptops to home appliances to medical equipment. The shortage shows just how interconnected the world is today.
And it shows the danger of relying on one source - China - for most production of a vital components.
Americans want cheap goods.
Manufacturers have components made in places China where labor costs are so much less.
But when something goes wrong, we pay.