The COVID-19 recovery in Europe is raising new healthcare supply-chain concerns across the continent. The Wall Street Journal reports that European countries are reporting shortages of amoxicillin, cephalosporins and other widely used antibiotics as demand rises and manufacturers grapple with shortfalls of ingredients and key supplies. 

Some materials are being held up because China’s COVID restrictions have interrupted output and deliveries and that rising energy costs have made energy-intensive production difficult to maintain. Manufacturer Sandoz says it simply can’t get all the screw caps and other components it needs.

A major factor is that demand for antibiotics has rebounded strongly as more illnesses have coursed through populations following the lifting of COVID restrictions. 

It’s a reminder that volatile turns in demand and supply that have marked the pandemic are still undercutting some sectors. For now, healthcare groups are trying to stretch supplies until they reach some equilibrium.