How Coronavirus Is Affecting Big Tech Firms

The spread of the coronavirus epidemic may be starting to slow, but its reverberations continue to be felt in various industries. Tech companies taking a hit range from Apple to Airbnb to Alibaba, all of which rely on either China’s production engine or its consumption machine—or both.

But the size of the impact varies by company. Apple, which relies heavily on Chinese manufacturers for production of the iPhone, is particularly vulnerable, as it made clear with its statement on Monday that the impact of the coronavirus would temporarily constrain the iPhone supply. E-commerce giant Alibaba also warned last week that its revenue would be affected. As for Amazon, the jury is still out. Some Chinese suppliers affected by the disruptions make products for brands that sell on Amazon. But so far there is little sign that any shortages have affected Amazon—yet.