This statistic illustrates the number of annual new drug shortages in the United States from 2001 through June 2024. The number of new drug shortages increased steadily between 2004 and 2011 when a record high was reached. However, since 2012 a fluctuating trend below 200 is visible.

For around 60 percent of all drug shortages in the U.S. in 2023, the real reason was unknown. Among known reasons for drug shortages, a mismatch of supply and demand was the leading cause. This statistic describes drug shortages in the United States during 2023, by reason.

In 2023, some 42 percent of all drug shortages in the United States concerned injectable drugs. This statistic depicts drug shortages in the United States from 2001 through June 2024, distributed by route of administration, or injectable vs. non-injectable drugs.

Throughout 2020 and 2021, commercial construction contractors most often reported suffering shortages in wood and/or lumber, and steel. In the last quarter of 2021, 27 percent of the surveyed contractors suffered a shortage on steel, 19 percent of them in roofing materials, and 17 percent of them in wood and/or lumber. In that same period, more than 90 percent of contractors reported facing shortages in at least one material.

As of end-2023, the average duration of all ongoing drug shortages in the United States stood at 1,202 days, or more than three years. This was a massive increase compared to four years before.

In 2021, shortages of healthcare staff in the United States were expected and especially among clinical roles. According to this survey, 83 percent of responding hospital and health system executives predicted nursing staff shortages. Furthermore, 30 percent of respondents expected to face an insufficient number of physicians. A shortfall of leadership roles, on the other hand, was far less envisioned by the responding healthcare executives.

After the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many restaurants in the U.S. have been able to find enough staff to fill all open positions. According to the source, 21 percent of restauranteurs reported that workers higher expectation for competitive wages was a reason for the labor shortage.

Metros with growing job opportunities naturally have higher housing shortages than other metros. Syracuse, NY and Anchorage, AK, were the metros with the most acute housing need in the United States as of December 2024. For every new building permit, there were over seven new jobs created during that period. The number of housing starts has increased in recent years, but in order for housing needs to be met, homes will need to be built in the metros where they are needed the most.

In 2024, roughly two-thirds of surveyed nursing home providers were somewhat or very concerned over forced closure due to workforce challenges in the United States. A large majority also report concern about the federal staffing mandate.

After the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many restaurants in the U.S. have been able to find enough staff to fill all open positions. According to the source, 30 percent of restaurants are facing a shortage of bartenders, and a further 28 percent are experiencing a shortage of line cooks. In 2021, 36 percent of restaurants faced a shortage of servers, but this number drastically declined in 2022.

Driver shortage is one of the leading issues in the trucking industry in the United States, with an estimated 80,500 drivers needed in 2021. By 2030, this figure is forecast to reach 162,000.

As of March 15, 2020, 81 percent of respondents in the United States stated that they expected any food and supply shortages at local grocery stores during the coronavirus pandemic to be caused by people stockpiling goods as opposed to supply and distribution disruptions.
For further information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please visit our dedicated Facts and Figures page.

As of end-2023, there were six ongoing drug shortages in the United States, for which the shortage lasted for more than 10 years. This statistic shows the duration of ongoing drug shortages in the United States as of December 2023.

Senior housing and skilled nursing operators in the United States reported a severe staffing shortage. This is according to a survey conducted between June 1 and July 5, 2023, among the executives of 39 organizations. Overall, about 82 percent of the respondents struggled to fill open job positions, affecting their operation capacity. Of the ones experiencing a staffing shortage, 44 percent shared that the impact is felt across 25 to 50 percent of their portfolio.

By the year 2036, a shortage of 13,500 to 86,000 physicians is expected in the United States. While still high, this is much lower than the projected shortages in a previous report. The new projections are based on an assumed increase in funding in graduate medical education (GME). If this assumption is not met, physician shortfall will match that of previous years, upwards of 124,000 by 2034. By 2036, the United States will be short on 20,200 to 40,400 primary care physicians (PCP). In comparison, a shortage of 5,500 to a surplus of 3,700 medical specialists was forecasted for 2036. This is caused by an over-supply in a few selected specialties, such as emergency medicine and critical care.

Shortages of building materials and appliances in the United States were slightly lower in October 2022 than in the previous year, according to home builders. For example, at least 76 percent of builders who are responsible for buying the product in question in 2022 reported a "serious" or "some" form of shortage for either appliances, HVAC equipment, or windows and doors. Especially for lumber this is a major difference when compared to 2018 - a year when U.S. tax rates on wood were increased and, consequently, more home builders reported a shortage. The situation in 2018 and 2021 is reflected in the monthly price development of softwood veneer and plywood, which reveals that the price hikes in 2021 far outweigh those in 2018.

By the year 2032, a shortage of 46,000 to 121,900 physicians is expected in the United States, including a shortage of approximately 25,000 to 65,000 surgical specialists. This statistic shows the predicted shortage of physicians and specialists in the U.S. by 2032.

Shortages in central nervous system drugs made up more than one fifth of all active drug shortages as of June 30, 2024. This statistic depicts the percentage of active drug shortages in the United States as of mid-2024, sorted by top therapeutic class.

In 2022, nearly two-thirds of surveyed assisted living facilities reported moderate to high levels of staffing shortages at their facilities. Difficulty recruiting staff remains an issue for these facilities, despite the large majority of providers having increased wages and offered other incentives.

As of March 19, 2020, toilet paper and disinfectant wipes were completely out of stock in 92 percent of selected retail stores. The out-of-stock rate was calculated by dividing the number of "completely out-of-stock" shelves by the total number of shelves audited.
For further information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please visit our dedicated Facts and Figures page.