WHO Declares International Public Health Emergency
Operation and construction of semiconductor factories in China delayed
Concerns about negative impact depending on future developments


On the 30th, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a 'Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)' regarding the novel coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. However, it did not recommend restrictions on trade or movement.

As of 9:00 on January 31, the domestic status of the novel coronavirus infection is 7 confirmed patients and 298 symptomatic individuals under investigation. The status of the novel coronavirus infection abroad is 9,805 confirmed patients and 213 deaths, all of whom are Chinese nationals.

The aftermath of the 'Wuhan pneumonia' is also affecting the ICT industry.

China, which has the highest number of patients since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, accounts for 52.93% of the global semiconductor market. China's semiconductor chip consumption reached $212.2 billion last year, and the industry forecasts that its semiconductor self-sufficiency rate, currently hovering in the 15% range, will rise to 40% by 2030. Therefore, it is the largest source of demand that semiconductor equipment manufacturers in various countries are eyeing.

With the semiconductor industry recently showing signs of recovery due to rising demand for memory and the easing of the U.S.-China trade dispute, the novel coronavirus infection appears to have poured cold water on this trend. Japan's Kyodo News reported that Tokyo Electron has withdrawn its employees working in China, and a domestic semiconductor equipment manufacturer is said to have taken measures to have its local representatives work from home.

The Chinese government extended the Lunar New Year holiday, originally scheduled to end on January 30, to February 2 and ordered a mandatory holiday in Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak. Representative semiconductor companies based in Wuhan include YMTC and XMC. These measures are expected to impact the operation and construction of other semiconductor factories in China. Additionally, Huawei has postponed its developer conference, and there are predictions that other Chinese companies will delay the unveiling of new products for the time being.

Semicon Korea 2020, a semiconductor exhibition scheduled to be held from February 5 to 7, has been canceled. At this event, where over 500 semiconductor companies from around the world were expected to set up approximately 2,200 booths, 130 semiconductor experts from around the globe were also scheduled to conduct more than 25 technical programs.

The GSMA announced on the 30th that MWC20 Barcelona, scheduled to be held from February 24 to 27, will proceed as planned. At the same time, it stated that it would monitor and comply with WHO recommendations, recommendations from Chinese authorities, recommendations from Spanish health authorities, and all security and medical-related recommendations and protocols.

We will deploy additional medical staff immediately before and during the event to support the site, and implement measures such as the placement of hygiene products in cooperation with the Fira de Barcelona exhibition center. In addition, we decided to support exhibitors who are having difficulty traveling to MWC 20 Barcelona.

According to a report by Reuters, International Monetary Fund (IMF) spokesperson Gerry Rice told reporters in Washington on the 30th (local time) that it is premature to judge the economic impact of the novel coronavirus.

He, who is monitoring the situation in real time, said, “The overall impact on the Chinese economy depends on how long this crisis lasts,” adding that “the Asian region will be primarily affected.”

Kim Yong-beom, First Vice Minister of Economy and Finance, presided over the second Vice Ministers’ Meeting on Price Stability and the Innovation Growth Review Meeting at the Government Complex Seoul on the 31st and stated, “The impact of the novel coronavirus on our economy is not yet significant.” However, he added, “There are concerns about negative impacts depending on how the situation unfolds in the future.”

To prevent novel coronavirus infection, you must thoroughly wash your hands, including your palms and under your fingernails, with soap, and cover your mouth with your sleeve when coughing. Individuals with respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, must wear a mask, which is mandatory when visiting a medical facility. Additionally, you must inform medical staff of your travel history abroad when visiting a screening clinic. If you suspect infection, you should consult your local public health center, 1339, or your area code plus 120.