According to BikeBiz.com there is a world-wide carbon fiber shortage that may have an impact on the prices and production of high-end bikes and parts for the foreseeable future. Apparently the development of the Airbus 380 and Boeing 7E7 Dreamliner, the expansion of the Chinese economy, growth of wind farms, and top secret U.S. military projects are all contributing to the shortage. Luckily the carbon fiber manufacturers are rationing the raw materials to all industries, otherwise the cycling industry (which is relatively small) would be hit even harder. Another article also warns of "shady practices" surrounding the production of bike parts.
Watch out, that carbon fiber handlebar just may be fiber surrounding an aluminum core.