NAM COVID-19 Survey Highlights Supply Chain Disruptions

The majority of manufacturers expect supply problems and a negative financial impact.

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) survey found that the majority of manufacturers expect supply problems and a negative financial impact because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Association of Manufacturers released the findings of a survey of manufacturing leaders examining the economic and operational impacts of COVID-19. This survey informed the NAM’s “COVID-19 Policy Action Plan Recommendations” released earlier this week, which highlighted key policy areas where legislative and administration action would help combat COVID-19 and future public health emergencies successfully.

Survey findings included:

  • 78.3% of manufacturers anticipate a financial impact
  • 53.1% of manufacturers anticipate a change in operations
  • 35.5% of manufacturers are facing supply chain disruptions

When commenting on supply chain disruptions, respondents noted issues with parts arriving late and delivering to customers late as a result. While some said these disruptions are “manageable at this point,” they do create “some additional costs.” Many mentioned having to find “alternative suppliers,” and while disruptions are characterized as “minor now,” they are expected to become more serious “if slowdowns continue beyond next quarter.”

“Already, manufacturers are grappling with disruptions to their businesses due to the COVID-19 outbreak, with many anticipating financial and operational consequences—even before some of the developments of this week. The federal government can take steps to further equip manufacturers to deal with COVID-19 by implementing the NAM’s ‘COVID-19 Policy Action Plan Recommendations,’” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Across the country, manufacturers are stepping up to keep their employees and their communities safe and healthy, and working closely with elected officials, we can ensure the resilience not only of our companies but also our country.”

You can download the full survey here.

About the Author

DE Editors
DE's editors contribute news and new product announcements to Digital Engineering 24/7 and the Robotics 24/7 sites.
Press releases may be sent to them via [email protected].
Follow Robotics 24/7 on Facebook
Follow Robotics 24/7 on Linkedin


Email Sign Up

Get news, papers, media and research delivered
Stay up-to-date with news and resources you need to do your job. Research industry trends, compare companies and get market intelligence every week with Robotics 24/7. Subscribe to our robotics user email newsletter and we'll keep you informed and up-to-date.


Robot Technologies