A “difficult” 2019 will be followed by a no less delicate 2020, warned Swissmem officials on Wednesday. If the cause, last year, was in the global slowdown, the problem comes this year from the coronavirus epidemic. The apex of the machinery, electrical and metalworking industry presented its annual report to Zurich and had to revise part of its speeches at the last moment, spread of the virus obliges. As well as installing a bottle of disinfectant at the entrance to its premises, a condition for joining the press conference.
The virus, which has blocked part of the world’s supply chains and caused the franc to soar, will have an impact on sales and profits. President of the organization Hans Hess said it should last at least until the summer. “If the negative effects of the coronavirus epidemic and the current overvaluation of the franc persist, the situation will become critical for the MEM industry,” added Stefan Brupbacher, managing director.
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