Survey results show Coronavirus impact spreading in the Midwest economy

OMAHA, Neb. (Feb. 27, 2020) – While confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States remain low, impacts are already being felt by manufacturers across the Midwest, according to recent survey data. Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss, Ph.D., has been actively monitoring the economic impacts as they unfold.

“All eyes are on the spread of Coronavirus, which has disrupted global supply chains and become a major contributor to a global economic slowdown,” said Goss.

Early results of the Mid America Business Conditions Index, a survey of manufacturing supply managers conducted this month by Creighton University in nine mid-American states, including Nebraska and Iowa, shows that coronavirus is influencing business.

In the survey, which will be officially released on Monday, March 2, four in 10 manufacturers reported a negative impact from coronavirus – 27% said the outbreak of coronavirus has pushed their company to switch vendors, 27% report reducing international buying. Of the manufacturers switching vendors, 24% are transferring service to domestic suppliers.

“The economy has been slowing for the better part of a year. The SARS virus in 2003 had a big, negative impact on the overall economy. Coronavirus could be similar and put a short-term dent in the regional economy,” 

The coronavirus outbreak has already caused more than one-third (38%) of Midwest manufacturers surveyed to rethink vendor choices with 20% seeking to rely on vendors closer to home.

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