Many businesses, including ours, have been worrying about whether this trying time will affect not just our health but our livelihoods. Businesses rely on steady supply chains to maintain their levels of service to customers. So there may be some of you who have been uncertain about how the COVID-19 virus will affect your business processes, especially if you plan to import from China. In this article, we will strive to answer your questions and hopefully provide some clarity to help you plan out your 2020 China purchases.
Has COVID-19 Affected Business in China?
The rise of COVID-19 has offered an insight into the importance of distribution channels within China and around the world. While the country remains one of the world’s largest exporters, the supply chain into and from China has indeed been affected during this time. The shutdown of factories during Spring Festival and then the unexpected rise of the virus saw businesses forced to delay their orders and production, especially during February. However, March has seen a very encouraging re-opening of factory doors and a gradual rise in production. While many manufacturers might still be forced to operate on limited production for a while, it is obvious that businesses are pushing ahead now to fulfill orders as quickly as possible and get back on track.
Is this a bad time to import from China?
While COVID-19 has been a massive hurdle for Chinese businesses, most are regaining their feet and have already begun exporting around the world. China remains one of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers and shows every sign of continuing to be so during this time.
Is it safe to receive packages from China?
The simple answer is: Yes, it is safe. According to the WHO, The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low.
How can I import from China during this time?
Our order process remains the same and we are happy to provide any information or quotations for products you may need to keep your business running on the track to success.
Will my order be affected by COVID-19?
It is true that some factory’s manufacturing and delivery timelines have had to be extended because of interrupted supply of materials or staggered international transport. Periods of delay are varied and depend on a lot of factors like location of the factory, supply of raw materials and a myriad of other issues.
However, the situation is improving as more and more business re-open and begin their operations according to strict safety policies. We are always going to keep you updated if there is a delay and can work to find an alternate supplier if we need to. There still remains a huge range of supply options from China that can produce what you need and deliver them in a reasonable time-frame. Factories are striving to meet all orders and alternative sources of materials are always being found in order to make sure that your order arrives at the quality you expect and on time. Rest assured that if anything affects your order, we will let you know as soon as possible and do our best to offer a solution.
Business aside, we do hope that you are taking care of yourself, your loved ones and those who are most vulnerable in your community. We hope that you do not give in to panic and remain considerate of those around you. Only by supporting each other and keeping level-headed can we avoid aggravating the situation or losing hope.
And of course, above all…..WASH YOUR HANDS.
It is interesting to note that taking the recommended 20 seconds to wash your hands thoroughly is about the same amount of time it takes to sing Happy Birthday to yourself twice.
Happy birthday to me….
Happy birthday to me….. *you know the rest*
Comments