[violet13]

I don't follow. You can source the chips, in large quantities, right now, and have them delivered to any non-embargoed country in a matter of days.

That they're in limited stock at a particular outlet in China means very little, no? And conversely, that STM32 chips happened to be in stock in 2018 meant very little in the following four years.

If you want the chips right now, you can have them. If you want long-term availability, either buy ahead of the time or sign a contract with the manufacturer (and hope it doesn't fall apart due to a geopolitical crisis or whatnot).

[contingencies]

I think perhaps you miss the difference between ordering from the vendor and having stock in the marketplace. The first is just a promise, which everyone learned had little value during chipaggedon. It turns out vendors have all sorts of interests which affect which customers they prioritize stock for in the event that a shortage is anticipated, and most of us aren't on the list. Stock in the distribution marketplace means that not only does the quantity really exist, but it has been in demand long enough that the distribution chain has decided to buffer additional volume. This means there's volume moving and you can to a much greater extent than a vendor promise actually count on it being available and the price representative (rather than promotional, temporary, or highly subject to fluctuation). In general, you also get your stock quicker. I hope that clarifies.