The electrical industry is increasingly feeling the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This was the result of a survey conducted by the ZVEI among its member companies. More than half of the participating companies (55%) are already receiving fewer orders than before the crisis began. 26 percent are even reporting a slump in orders. The companies expect turnover to fall by an average of 14%. Only three percent believe it is realistic to recover these losses completely within the foreseeable future. The rest expect to be able to recoup only half or even less in the foreseeable future.

"The German government has acted decisively to cushion the most acute economic consequences of the coronavirus crisis - such as the short-time working allowance, which around two thirds of our companies have already applied for or are in the process of applying for. But if we do not manage to gradually lift the standstill in the economy and society again soon, there is a risk of considerable consequences for our companies," commented ZVEI President Michael Ziesemer on the survey results. "Around 60 percent of companies fear permanent damage to production and supply chains and even around 70 percent expect investments to be canceled if the exit is initiated too late."

According to the ZVEI, the majority of German electrical companies are already experiencing problems with their supply and logistics chains: a good 70 percent are experiencing slight disruptions, while a good ten percent are experiencing severe disruptions or even disruptions. Maintaining production and supply chains in compliance with health protection measures is essential, especially during the crisis. This is the only way to ensure the supply of food, medicines, electricity and medical equipment. It is therefore important to plan the gradual restart of the networked economy now and combine it with the latest findings for appropriate health protection measures, including the use of digital technologies in industry, trade, commerce, services and society.

It is therefore important to prudently develop a roadmap now on how to regain new strength and cohesion in industry and society. "So that the acute health crisis is not followed by a long-lasting and massive economic crisis, possibly with far-reaching consequences for Europe's prosperity and unity," says Ziesemer. as