Related to yesterday’s ShapFlash: in wake of the rapidly spreading Coronavirus, the Chinese government has decided to extend its Lunar New Year an additional 3 days– from January 30th to February 2nd – in all cities except Shanghai and Ningbo.

In the Shanghai and Ningbo provinces, which are closer to Wuhan, the New Year extensions will continue through February 9th, with workers returning Feb 10th.

The prolonged stoppage of labor will surely hinder supply chains that include electronics, chemicals and automobile parts, which rely heavily on manufacturing and production in the quarantined areas.   Because two of China’s three largest port complexes are also in this area, supply chain disruptions will be felt for all Chinese merchandise.

More and more ocean carriers have announced the cessation of port calls across China as well.

Shapiro will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.