Trade shows postponed over coronavirus fears

As the contagion continues to spread, its impact is beginning to be felt on the solar industry outside China with the cancellation or postponement of major trade shows and conferences that were set to take place over the next few weeks.

March 3, 2020 Mark Hutchins

The global pandemic has severely shaken the world.

Image: NIAID-RML

From pv magazine International

A report published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) predicts global economic growth will take a serious hit from the coronavirus outbreak, even in a ‘best case’ scenario. “The virus risks giving a further blow to a global economy that was already weakened by trade and political tensions,” said OECD chief economist Laurence Boone, presenting the report in Paris. “Governments need to act immediately to contain the epidemic.”

With manufacturing in China reportedly grinding to a halt in some areas due to virus containment measures, the effects are being felt more broadly across the solar and energy storage industries with the postponement of key trade events having already been announced.

Though the PV Expo Japan trade show went ahead in Tokyo last week, visitor numbers appear to have taken a serious hit compared to previous years, as coronavirus fears prompted exhibitors and attendees to cancel travel plans.

It now appears the show in Tokyo could be the last major event on the PV industry calendar for a while. Recent days have brought cancellations or postponements of trade shows and events across the industry, leaving the calendar for this month somewhat empty.

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