Coronavirus: Experts foresee feed and food additive supply disruptions
Only 12 professionals, or 13% of those polled, expect no impact.
Kemiex, which operates an electronic trade and information platform and network, said it conducted the survey to assess the likely impact of the coronavirus health emergency on ingredient trade as the spread of the virus is accelerating. Its clients include professional bulk buyers, traders and producers of feed/food additives and active ingredients.
Coronavirus is a family of viruses that include the common cold, and viruses such as SARS and MERS, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The number of people killed in China by the new coronavirus has risen to 82, with almost 3,000 confirmed ill. At least 44 cases have been confirmed abroad, including in Germany, the US and Australia, reported the BBC today [january 28].
Some governments and companies have already imposed restrictions and first response measures, and fears are deepening about the impact the virus may have on the global economy in the coming months.
The source of infection is unknown and could still be active, said the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in a statement it issued today. "Human-to-human transmission has been confirmed but more information is needed to evaluate the full extent of this mode of transmission and understanding how the virus spreads. In this is a rapidly evolving situation, ECDC is revising its risk assessment for Europe."
Academic publisher, Wiley, has compiled 54 research articles relating to the coronavirus and has made them free to read for the next few months, as the world battles to contain the outbreak, noted the Guardian.
Orders planned for the first quarter are expected to be mostly affected, while disruptions might continue into the second quarter, indicated the respondents to the Kemiex poll. Only a minority believes the disruptions will last until year end or beyond 2020, according to the survey.
“The biggest impact is expected from extended Chinese New Year holidays and delayed production start, as seasonal maintenance and safety inspections seem to be affected too. Further restrictions are expected for inland transport and travel.”
Many industry professionals from China and elsewhere have cancelled participation in exhibitions such as IPPE in Atlanta, taking place this week, due to ongoing travel restrictions and contagion.
Amino acids, vitamins
A first impact analysis based on preliminary information shows that products such as amino acids, certain vitamins, and other additives along with active ingredients could be affected, according to Kemiex.
“As no official statements were issued by producers, also due to an ongoing holiday season, procurement professionals globally must rely on their own impact assessments.”
Kemiex noted, however, that European and other suppliers report readiness and stocks to secure delivery to end users during interruptions in China.
