News


Coronavirus affecting the electronics industry

26 February 2020 News

Embedded World is a popular electronics tradeshow which is scheduled to take place in Nuremberg. However, some companies have unfortunately pulled out of the show due to the coronavirus circulating the globe which has killed almost 2000 people in its path (at the date of writing).

As of today, companies who will not be attending the show are Amazon (AWS), Avnet, including the subsidiaries Abacus, EBV and Farnell element 14 , ARM, Cypress, Data Modul, Digi International, Digi-Key, EM Microelectronics , FTDI/ Bridgetek, Future Electronics, Intel, Microchip, Micron, Mitac Digital/Tyan , Mitsubishi Electric, NXP, Powerbrigde ,Renesas, Rohm, Silicon Labs, STMicroelectronics ,Swissbit, Telit, Winbond, Xilinx.

According to Avnet, “Avnet has made the difficult decision to withdraw from Embedded World 2020 in Nuremberg, Germany. We are disappointed to miss the opportunity to connect with our partners, customers and the media at such an important event in the electronics industry but believe this to be the right decision at this time.”

A quote from ROHM: “ROHM Semiconductor Europe has taken the prudent decision to withdraw from Embedded World 2020 after a full assessment of the risks related to a fast-moving situation. Quoted from Microchip: “Microchip has withdrawn participation from Embedded World 2020 in Nuremberg, Germany, over concerns about the health and safety of our employees and customers.”

However, Maxim Integrated intends to take part in the Embedded World at this time. “However, we will continue to monitor the situation regarding the coronavirus very closely, because protecting our employees is our top priority. If there are any signs of a serious risk situation, we reserve the right to take appropriate measures,” they stated.

Latest news on coronavirus

According to many sources including CNN, Liu Zhiming, director of the Wuchang hospital in Wuhan, the city at the centre of the outbreak, himself died of the virus. China is still on lockdown and it doesn’t look like it will change anytime soon. According to analysis by CNN of Chinese government orders, 780 million people are still living under some form of restrictive movement, including all of Hubei, the northeastern province of Liaoning, and China's two most important cities, Beijing and Shanghai. Restrictions include everything from self-quarantines to limits on who can come and go from neighbourhoods.

How can I prevent this affecting my day-to-day life?

For the time being, I would avoid purchasing any products which are manufactured/supplied within China. According to CNBC, coronavirus prompts automakers to evacuate workers, resulting in production delays at Chinese factories. This would result in slower production timescales along with lengthy delivery delays. Also – pointing out the obvious – avoid travelling to China, especially Wuhan. According to Financial Times, China’s leaders are bracing for a blow to first-quarter economic growth as the deadly coronavirus weighs on consumption, travel and manufacturing.




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

RE+ South Africa 2026: From strategy to execution
News
Taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 02 to 04 June 2026, this new addition to South Africa’s energy landscape introduces a focused commercial and industrial energy event within a proven exhibition platform.

Read more...
Africa Energy Indaba announces 2027 dates
News
Following the continued success and growing global impact of the Africa Energy Indaba, organisers have announced the dates for the 19th edition of the Africa Energy Indaba 2027.

Read more...
RS South Africa named master distributor for the Arduino UNO Q
RS South Africa News
RS South Africa announced that it has been named Master Distributor for the Arduino UNO Q SBC platform across South Africa and the broader African region.

Read more...
Engineering in a world that cannot assume connectivity
Technews Publishing Editor's Choice News
Across industrial automation, networking, and defence systems, engineers are rediscovering the importance of resilience and autonomy in an increasingly connected world.

Read more...
IOT secures major industry partnership
IOT Electronics News
IOT Electronics has announced a new strategic partnership with Powell Electronics, becoming an Official Authorised Reseller in South Africa.

Read more...
Successful Proteus training conference
Dizzy Enterprises News
Dizzy Enterprises recently hosted two hands-on Proteus Training Conferences, bringing together electronics professionals, designers, and enthusiasts to explore the latest capabilities of the Proteus Design Suite from Labcenter Electronics.

Read more...
Hitachi reinvents asset management solution
News
Hitachi Energy, in collaboration with Microsoft, is accelerating the digital transformation of essential infrastructure - from electricity networks and transportation corridors to heavy industrial operations - by reinventing how critical assets are managed and maintained.

Read more...
Mycronic releases mixed Q4 results
News
Mycronic reported mixed Q4 results for the year ended January to December 2025, while delivering record full year order intake and net sales.

Read more...
AGOA: Businesses should diversify or face significant exposure
News
Cross-border payments platform Verto has called on South African and African businesses to accelerate their transition toward a “post-AGOA” trade strategy following President Donald Trump’s signing of a one-year extension to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Read more...
European components distribution growing
News
European electronic components distribution returned to growth in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to newly released figures from DMASS Europe.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved