Production Delays Mount in China as Typhoon Ragasa Hits

How to Categorize Typhoons in China?

In China, typhoons are categorized by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) using a classification system based on maximum sustained wind speeds near the storm center. The main categories are:

1. Tropical Depression (热带低压)

• Maximum sustained winds: ≤ 61 km/h (≤ 33 knots).

2. Tropical Storm (热带风暴)

• Maximum sustained winds: 62–88 km/h (34–47 knots).

3. Severe Tropical Storm (强热带风暴)

• Maximum sustained winds: 89–117 km/h (48–63 knots).

4. Typhoon (台风)

• Maximum sustained winds: 118–149 km/h (64–80 knots).

5. Severe Typhoon (强台风)

• Maximum sustained winds: 150–184 km/h (81–99 knots).

6. Super Typhoon (超强台风)

• Maximum sustained winds: ≥ 185 km/h (≥ 100 knots).

Top 5 Impact of Typhoons on Production

Typhoons can cause so many product delays and troubles. In 2018, super typhoon Mangkhut also affected China. But how do these events affect production? Here are some of the huge impacts this devastating phenomenon can have on China and other countries such as Hong Kong.

1. Factory Closures

There are massive inconveniences to factories whenever a typhoon approaches or hits. Factory work is limited, as precautions have to be taken before the hurricane hits. Furthermore, everyone will have to stay indoors when the hurricane hits, which would halt all factory work.

2. Vulnerability of Coastal Manufacturing Hubs 

China’s industrial prowess is concentrated in coastal regions, where bustling cities and sprawling factories thrive. However, this geographical advantage becomes a vulnerability when typhoons strike.

Coastal areas are susceptible to flooding, which can inundate factories, warehouses, and transportation infrastructure. Moreover, strong winds can cause structural damage, further hampering production capabilities.

3. Disrupted Transportation and Logistics 

Typhoons can cause trouble in transportation networks, causing road closures, flight cancellations, and port shutdowns. These disruptions ripple through supply chains, hindering the flow of raw materials, components, and finished products.

Manufacturers may be unable to receive crucial inputs or ship out their goods, resulting in delays.

4. Electricity Supply and Power Outages 

A steady supply of electricity is the lifeblood of modern manufacturing. Typhoons can disrupt power distribution networks through downed power lines, damaged transformers, and flooding of power stations.

As factories rely on a consistent flow of energy to operate machinery and maintain controlled environments, power outages can bring production to a grinding halt.

5. Worker Safety and Well-Being 

Amidst the chaos of a typhoon, ensuring the safety of workers becomes paramount. Employers are faced with the challenge of either halting operations to safeguard their workforce or risking the well-being of employees by continuing production under difficult conditions.

Both choices have consequences – stopping production leads to delays while pushing ahead can endanger lives.

What Businesses Should Do When Their Supplier Production is Affected by Typhoons?

When a business’s supplier is affected by a typhoon or any other natural disaster, it can significantly disrupt the supply chain and impact the production process. Here are the steps that a business should consider taking in such a situation:

1. Communication:

• Reach out to the affected supplier as soon as possible to inquire about their situation, damage extent, and recovery timeline.
• Maintain open and transparent communication to understand the potential impact on your supply and production.

2. Assess Impact:

• Evaluate the severity of the disruption and the supplier’s ability to fulfill orders in the near future.
• Determine which specific products or components are affected and the criticality of these items to your production.

3. Identify Alternatives:

• Identify backup suppliers or sources for the affected products or components.
• If possible, establish relationships with multiple suppliers to avoid overdependence on a single source.

4. Adjust Production Plans:

• Modify your production schedules based on the availability of alternative suppliers.
• Prioritize the production of products that are most critical to your business and customers.

5. Collaborate with Suppliers:

• Collaborate with the affected supplier to explore potential solutions, such as expedited production or shipping once they recover.
• Understand their plans for resuming operations and incorporate this information into your own planning.

Review some of the most devastating typhoons that hit China and other nearby countries:

Super typhoon Hato affected Zhuhai in August 2017. Check the details in this blog.

Typhoon Haima interrupted the HK Megashow in December 2016. Learn more about the storm details here:

In 2011, Hong Kong was severely affected by Typhoon Nesat. It caused the closure of most offices and factories in the country.

Severe Typhoon Megi disrupted Hong Kong and China operations in 2010. This caused trade shows in the region and our Mega Show that year.

Other causes of production delays in China:

An article on how pollution inspections caused temporary closures for factories in Guangdong. Certainly relevant as typhoons cause pollution levels to rise just before they hit Hong Kong. We hate that as much as we do the Typhoon!

China’s national day holidays can change at a moment’s notice, give this article a read to check when the holiday week occurs.

Some articles on how Golden Week in China affects production are certainly worth a read.

An article on calculating shipping time is certainly effective in helping you check if you’re on schedule!

Some articles on shipping delays. Learn how can they cause trouble in businesses and consumers.

In Conclusion

Based on the analysis above, typhoons have the potential to severely affect factory productivity and transport. This, in turn, could cause severe production delays. In particular, for this case, there could be a severe impact on production times in Hong Kong and Southern China. This would therefore affect projects concentrated within Hong Kong and Guangdong.

Therefore, everyone should be prepared when such events come. They may affect your business, but everyone’s safety should always be the top priority.

All you need to know about production delays!