Russian businesses are facing a shortage of China-made components due to the outbreak of coronavirus-induced pneumonia in the country, Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov told reporters on Monday, adding however that there are no severe problems with supplies, Prime news agency reports.
“Indeed, there is such an issue, which is the result of respective restrictions due to the outbreak of (pneumonia) epidemic in China, whereas we are not interested in restricting cooperation,” he said.
“I cannot say that it is a severe problem as of today,” the minister added.
Moscow will search for alternative suppliers if real problems with components deliveries from China arise, Manturov noted.
Earlier reports said that Russia’s truck manufacturer Kamaz might adjust its production plan starting March 2020 in case of a further spread of the novel coronavirus-induced pneumonia in China and other countries that produce car components.
Meanwhile Russia’s top carmaker Avtovaz said earlier that the company had a sufficiency of required car components produced in China, though it is still estimating the risks related to the coronavirus outbreak.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in China has exceeded 40,200, 909 patients have died, while 3,300 people recovered. Coronavirus cases have also been reported in 24 other countries, including Russia. The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency.
