Two-thirds of firms in Taipei hurt by SARS breakout

Taipei, May 16, 2003 (CENS)--The outbreak of severe respiratory syndrome (SARS) has affected the business of 67% of firms surveyed by the Importers and Exporters Association of Taipei.

The survey, conducted between April 29 and May 2, found that 33% of the association's member firms have not been affected by SARS.

Of all the firms hurt by the SARS outbreak, 20% sell daily necessities, 18% deal in electronic and electrical products, 12% in the clothing sector, and 12% in machinery and parts.

The survey also found that of all those hurt by the outbreak, 22% have important trade ties with mainland China and Europe, 17% with Canada and the U.S. and 15% with Hong Kong.