Although China has succeeded in the first stage of the anti-epidemic, the world is still shrouded in the haze formed by the epidemic, and such a large-scale outbreak will undoubtedly expand the impact faced by all walks of life. At this stage, the impact of the epidemic on the global mobile phone industry is clearly penetrating.
As most mobile phone component manufacturers have been in a fierce competition for a long time, the gross profit margin has been declining year by year, and the continuous heavy asset operation of the company has caused cash flow tensions in the terminal market due to the sudden reduction of orders due to the epidemic. The phenomenon.
While manufacturers regard "guaranteed cash flow" as their top priority this year, some large customers are also helping to solve the dilemma in their supply chains.
The "helping hands" of the two giants
Under the nest, are there any eggs? These eight words should just describe the current status of the mobile phone industry chain.
The reason why the industrial chain is called "chain" means that there is a mutual connection and interdependence between each link, which means that the problems that occur at the end of the supply chain will also turn into other situations that threaten the terminal.
Looking back on February this year, it was the most severe period of the epidemic in China; it should be known that China, as the country with the highest concentration of global supply chain enterprises, almost carried most of the supply of orders for parts and assembly. On the other hand, the terminal manufacturers at this time are also stuck in a situation where short-term supply is blocked.
In order to solve the urgent needs of the supply chain, but also to ensure their own supply. At the beginning of February this year, Samsung Electronics said that it would unite related companies in the group to provide local suppliers affected by the epidemic with an overall cash support of approximately US $ 2.1 billion to help suppliers survive the low tide.
It was March this year, and the "center point" of the epidemic was transferred from domestic to overseas. The United States, Italy, Britain, France and other countries have been severely affected. The sales of terminal brands in overseas regions have been greatly affected. The industry has begun to frequently appear that terminal manufacturers have lengthened delivery cycles and even reduced orders.
The situation of new orders is not optimistic, saying that this year's performance will be affected, and the extension of the delivery cycle means the extension of the return time, which extends to the deterioration of cash flow of business activities. This series of chain reactions has caused more and more supply chain manufacturers to face their own operational difficulties.
An insider revealed: "In order to alleviate the problem of tight cash flow for a small number of suppliers, Apple also has a corresponding assistance plan. To shorten the billing period for these manufacturers, and arrange for payment in advance."
The author learned from several Apple supply chain manufacturers that these companies have not received relevant information for the time being. In their view, the global industrial chain has been hit hard by the epidemic. Even if Apple intends to ease the pressure on suppliers, it is more likely to be arranged by early delivery.
"Hundred State" under heavy pressure
Although the industry leaders mentioned above can still support and help some suppliers in the current situation, the group of small and medium-sized enterprises is still very large in the entire industry chain. This also means that a larger number of manufacturers are now "isolated and helpless." After the first quarter of this year, many small and medium-sized enterprises have either closed down or changed jobs.
In addition, the spread of the epidemic will also exacerbate the crisis of these industry giants.
Industry insiders believe that "the epidemic that has not ended yet will make the impact of manufacturers in all links more obvious. Even if large companies want to lend a helping hand in the later period, they may become more overpowered. Even Apple and Samsung , The implementation of the above mentioned plan is also targeted. "
The reporter learned from sources: "Now the terminal brands are also facing great shipping pressure. The market link in which the purchasing power continued to decline during the epidemic has given most brands priority to establish the concept of 'self-protection.' My own supply chain has requested that the payment be extended. "
Now the main reason why enterprises will face greater pressure is the unknown market.
According to the past practice, the vast majority of companies should have made a full-year sales forecast at the beginning of the year, but the reporter learned from the industry chain that since February this year, the order forecast of the enterprise has been changed and the suppliers have received Even if we get the demand given by the customer now, it may change again soon.
"Now, regardless of small and medium-sized enterprises, even the first-tier manufacturers can not accurately predict the demand for this year," a domestic mobile phone component manufacturer told the author.
Industry sources said that in fact, whether it is a supplier or a terminal brand, this year will encounter varying degrees of operating pressure. For everyone in 2020, it is a year that requires tight belts. It's just that compared to terminal brands, the pressure on parts suppliers that have maintained a heavy asset operation model for many years will come faster.
It is worth mentioning that the layoffs are also a helpless move of many companies under the pressure of many parties.
Recently, we have seen voices of large-scale layoffs in many industries, including real estate, technology, home appliances, and entertainment, including some well-known large enterprises. Because for most companies, in the case of a sudden decrease in order volume, in order to protect the company's profitability, it is perhaps the most direct and effective way to reasonably reduce labor costs. With the deepening of the impact of this round, perhaps more layoffs will be seen in the industrial chain.
