Fitch Ratings-New York-12 February 2020: Global ports will see reduced trade volumes as a result of the coronavirus, COVID-19, which would become more severe should Chinese production take time to recover to pre-epidemic levels, says Fitch Ratings. Decreased production in China because of the extended work holiday and factory closures will affect import and export volumes in first-quarter 2020 but diversified revenue streams and long-term contracts help shield most US, EMEA and LATAM port revenues from significant trade volatility. However, some rated APAC ports will be affected if the slowdown in trade is prolonged. China's trade volumes have grown significantly since 2000 in tandem with China's expanding role in the world economy. If more companies suspend Chinese operations or withdraw from production in China, shipping volume may take longer to recover. A sustained dip in volumes could pressure ports with a large exposure to China cargo and would constrain throughput growth compared with expectations prior to the outbreak.
Fitch Rtgs: Global Ports Vulnerable to Coronavirus-Related Volume Declines
Fitch Ratings-New York-12 February 2020: Global ports will see reduced trade volumes as a result of the coronavirus, COVID-19, which would become more severe should Chinese production take time to recover to pre-epidemic levels, says Fitch Ratings. Decreased production in China because of the extended work holiday and factory closures will affect import and export volumes in first-quarter 2020 but diversified revenue streams and long-term contracts help shield most US, EMEA and LATAM port revenues from significant trade volatility. However, some rated APAC ports will be affected if the slowdown in trade is prolonged. China's trade volumes have grown significantly since 2000 in tandem with China's expanding role in the world economy. If more companies suspend Chinese operations or withdraw from production in China, shipping volume may take longer to recover. A sustained dip in volumes could pressure ports with a large exposure to China cargo and would constrain throughput growth compared with expectations prior to the outbreak.
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