Covid 19 & The Effects On Availability

We have no specifics for the camera industry but the current events in China will have a huge effect on availability of equipment in the coming months. So far, two thirds of international flights from China have been cancelled and this is likely to increase.  These flights normally carry what is know as “belly cargo”. This is the free space on passenger jets which they utilise to carry commercial cargo. It has been reported that Cargo Flights have increased charges five fold and this is proving prohibitive for many manufacturers even if they can output goods. The reality is that many factories and manufacturing plants remain closed or at partial capacity so goods are not being produced in the first place. Basically, many of the Electronic goods we buy are either made in China or have essential components that are made in China. Hyundai in South Korea have had to shut down their car plants as Chinese components dry up.

So to summarise, prepare for shortages of equipment going forward until further notice.