The new coronavirus in China and its impact on the polyester chain

China is now in distress as it battles the highly contagious new coronavirus originating from Wuhan of Hubei province, which had effectively morphed into a epidemic not seen since the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) crisis of 2002-2003. Concerns among market players in the polyester chain are widespread, and justifiably so. Central China, where Hubei with a population of more than 58 million is at the core, is in a virtual standstill. Other parts of China are also seeing a marked reduction in business activities. All transport links are either cut or disrupted. If this drags, it would be a logistical catastrophe, and the disruption to the supply chain for the entire polyester and textile industry would be disastrous.