Many companies are still suffering from aftereffects of the corona pandemic and supply chain disruptions. 37 per cent of trade and logistics entrepreneurs say they are struggling with challenges such as delivery times and staff shortages. They suffer an average 26 per cent loss of sales as a result.
This is according to the monthly Corona Monitor by entrepreneurs' association evofenedex and credit insurer Atradius. The loss of turnover is in line with previous months and almost the same as expected for the whole year. On the other hand, 18 per cent of companies say they are doing better than last year. So far, these companies come out with a 17 per cent turnover surplus.
Shortages a big problem
Evofenedex director Bart Jan Koopman sees a "cautiously positive" sentiment among his supporters. "Although the final recovery from the corona crisis is shifting further and further back and uncertainty remains high. We firmly have the impression that the recovery could have been even further." Entrepreneurs are less likely to experience demand slumps (from 63 per cent last year in Q2 to 37 per cent in July). However, they do see delivery times of raw materials and goods as a major problem. Staff shortages are also increasingly a limiting factor. "And we know the logistics challenges at sea and by air, where rates have exploded," Koopman outlines. "That puts pressure on exporters' margins, if you can deliver at all."
Shifting supply chain
The survey further shows that more companies are adjusting or shifting their supply chains. This time last year, 4 per cent of companies had already done so, now the figure is 7 per cent. In 2020, a further 8 per cent of companies were in the process of shifting the flow of goods, now it is 12 per cent. The Netherlands, Germany and Eastern European countries like Poland and Romania are mentioned as countries to which diversion is taking place.
