and other brands, half of the world’s personal
computers and a big share of home appliances
and other goods. But they need U.S. processor
chips and other high-value components.
It isn’t clear how U.S. anti-coronavirus curbs
might affect trade. Controls so far apply to
travelers, not goods. American factories
are operating, but the National Federation
of Independent Business says 39% of 300
companies it surveyed already were suffering
supply disruptions.
“A sustained disruption of activity in the U.S.
will likely lead to disruptions to manufacturing
activity in China,” said Darren Tay, a country risk
analyst for Fitch Solutions, in an email.
Beijing is easing controls that left city streets
empty and silent and sent shock waves
through the global economy. Manufacturers
are rebuilding supply chains — networks of
thousands of providers of auto parts, microchips
and other components.
Officials say steel makers and other state-
owned industries are almost back to normal.
But conditions are more precarious for small,
private companies that are China’s economic
engine and make clothes, toys and other
consumer goods. Many are running at a
fraction of normal levels or are closed due to a
lack of materials and employees.
One in six companies that responded to a
March 9-14 survey has run out of components
and others are running low, the American
Chamber of Commerce in South China said
in a report.
The United States, Europe and other Asian
countries accounted for 18% of shortages, theImage: Han Han Guan