Wait-and-see attitude prevails in China

Asia seems calm, although logistics has been reduced by 40% out going and many factories are closed. High-end security products and telecommunications are still moving, but the capacity of low-end items from eye glass frames to electronics is dwindling fast. Some large western firms are implementing cost cutting measures, and pushing total cost of ownership sourcing. 

The worse is yet to come. Attitudes in Southern Asia are somewhat muted and waiting to see if domestic consumption will help move products. Consolidation of some regional sourcing offices and aggregation of category spend had been a banner under these more difficult times. Though prices are down for metals, capacity is also fast disappearing which will ultimately drive up prices.

E-sourcing has seemingly been growing during these slow times. If one is looking for experienced sourcing managers, the field has been reduced as many are afraid to move to a different company. The attitude is to stay put and weather the storm.