Coronavirus Impact on Importers & Exporters
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The Coronavirus pandemic is threatening a global recession. The virus is causing major disruptions to businesses around the world. Supply and demand shocks in China have led to other countries, like the US, fearing a prolonged global slowdown or even a recession. Policy makers are making quick calls in response to help cushion the economic blow of the epidemic. Specifically, the U.S. Federal Reserve delivered an emergency rate cut at the beginning of March. According to Reuters Business News, shortages of vital parts and components from China last month cost other countries and their industries $50 billion. And things are not projected to get any better. Analysts are saying that many businesses in China, businesses that U.S. companies partner with, are taking longer to reopen than expected. Some are saying that there is a chance that businesses will not return to normal production until late April/early May. Firms that had not shut down or ones that have reopened are suffering from shortages of parts and other raw materials as well as labor. According to a survey by China’s customs administration that was released earlier this month, over 80% of foreign trading companies in China have returned to work. However, less than a third of small and medium-sized businesses are operating normally. A workforce that employs about 80% of China’s labor force. The scare had caused China to postpone January’s data release and they had decided to instead combine the first two months on the year. That data has since been released and showed that China’s exports shrank by 17.2% in January and February combined due to the Coronavirus’ impact. We are still learning more about the virus and it’s impacts on the import and export industry so make sure to stay updated here on our monthly blog for updated information!
