Coronavirus expected to have big impact on smartphone sales in China

Smartphone sales in China could shrink up to 50% in quarter one of this year due to the impact of the Coronavirus on the retail and manufacturing sectors, the Canalys research group tells Reuters.

“Vendors’ planned product launches will be canceled or delayed, given that large public events are not allowed in China,” Canalys says. “”It will take time for vendors to change their product launch roadmaps in China, which is likely to dampen 5G shipments.”

Apple isn’t expected to launch a 5G iPhone until fall. However, the tech giant has extended its retail store closures in China due to the Coronavirus and has ye tot finalize opening dates.

Also, according to Reuters, Apple manufacturing partner, Foxconn, received permission on Monday to reopen its Zhenghzou facility. However, the company wasn’t allowed to resume production in its plant in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen.

The Coronavirus has filled more than 900 people so far. What’s more, inflation in the country hit its highest level in more than eight years in January as the outbreak drove up demand for some consumer goods and shuttered business activity in parts of the country.