Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – update

Supply-chain Risk Briefing: MERS-CoV Outbreak Update

1) Summary WHO issued an update on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) outbreak situation on May 15, 2014, but specific outbreak regions were not specified. The current risk level is assessed as 'low', limiting the possibility of immediate large-scale supply-chain disruptions.

2) Supply-chain impact

• Middle East logistics: Given that MERS-CoV primarily occurs in the Middle East region, potential impact on port and airport operations in major oil-exporting countries such as Saudi Arabia and UAE
• Air cargo transport: Concerns over delays in air logistics for urgent parts and high-value-added products due to international flight restrictions in case of epidemic spread
• Labor-intensive industries: Possibility of temporary production disruptions when worker quarantine measures are implemented in manufacturing and logistics centers
• Medical supplies demand: Expected pressure on related global supply chains due to surge in demand for epidemic prevention supplies and medical equipment

3) Watch points

• Need to confirm specific outbreak regions and spread scale through WHO follow-up announcements
• Track trends in airport and port operational restriction measures in major Middle Eastern countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar)
• Monitor suspension of international flights or enhanced cargo quarantine measures