BGA fears massive disruptions
Global supply chains are under massive threat from the spread of the omicron wave. This is emphatically pointed out by the German Wholesale and Foreign Trade Association (BGA). Thus the federation warns these days of disturbances within the global supply chains due to the rising infection numbers by the Omicron variant.
The president of the BGA, Dirk Jandura, told Funke-Mediengruppe: “There is no threat of a collapse, but a massive disruption of supply chains – at least temporarily.” With a rather mild course of the infection wave of the Omicron variant, a long-lasting collapse of supply chains is rather unlikely, Jandura said. However, he adds, “Since Omicron spreads much faster worldwide, however, the worst-case scenario could already lead to widespread disruptions in the global supply network.”
In this context, Jandura points to possible serious consequences for logistics. If, for example, a quarter of logistics employees were to fall ill or find themselves in quarantine, no one would be able to cope.
The DIHK also warns of challenges for the economy
The Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) warned as early as Wednesday last week of challenges posed by the Omicron variant.
Peter Adrian, president of the DIHK, said: “If the expected Omicron wave also spills over into Germany, it will quickly become a challenge for the economy in its entire breadth – and thus for society – due to a nationwide loss of many employees.” After just a few days, countless companies and industries would effectively become part of the critical infrastructure, explains the DIHK president.
The DIHK goes on to write in its statement that, according to Peter Adrian, consumers could feel the effects very quickly on the empty shelves of supermarkets. This would happen if, for example, the production and regular delivery of food and products for daily use were to falter across the board, the DIHK points out.
Source: www.kloepfel-consulting.com