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

Supply-chain Risk Briefing

1) Summary On June 3, 2021, WHO reported an outbreak of MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) in Saudi Arabia. Currently classified as 'low' grade, immediate large-scale supply-chain disruptions are assessed to be limited.

2) Supply-chain impact

• Energy sector: Saudi Arabia is a key country for global crude oil supply, with potential impact on petroleum production and export workforce if the disease spreads
• Aviation and maritime logistics: Limited impact expected on major hub airports and ports in the Middle East region, with possible logistics delays especially during workforce quarantine measures
• Religious and tourism industry: Potential contraction of related service industries and goods supply chains if pilgrimage restrictions are imposed in Saudi Arabia
• Manufacturing indirect impact: Increased costs for production facility operations and employee safety management for multinational companies operating locally

3) Watch points

• Track infection spread scale and whether government response measures are strengthened through WHO's follow-up reports
• Monitor Saudi government's changes in border controls, movement restrictions, and industrial facility operation guidelines
• Observe neighboring Middle Eastern countries' response measures and potential spread of intra-regional logistics and trade restriction measures