Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Saudi Arabia

Supply-chain Risk Briefing: Saudi Arabia MERS-CoV Outbreak

1. Summary

On June 3, 2021, WHO reported an outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Saudi Arabia. The current risk level is assessed as 'low', with specific outbreak scale and regions yet to be confirmed.

2. Supply-chain impact

• Potential energy sector impact — Saudi Arabia is a key country in global oil supply, with potential disruptions to oil production and exports in case of large-scale spread
• Aviation and maritime transport — As a Middle East transportation hub, concerns over limited impact on international logistics networks
• Indirect manufacturing impact — Potential impact on global chemical raw material supply chains if petrochemical industrial complexes within Saudi Arabia experience operational disruptions
• Regional trade flows — Possible temporary constraints on land and maritime trade routes between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries

3. Watch points

• Outbreak scale tracking — Monitor number of infections, affected regions, and intensity of quarantine measures through WHO follow-up reports
• Refinery operation status — Confirm whether major oil facilities including Aramco face operational shutdowns or workforce quarantine measures
• Border control measures — Observe changes in Saudi government's immigration restrictions or inter-regional movement control policies