Posted on 12th March 2020

Dear Customer,

 

The sudden increase in global cases of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) and the response of Governments around the world has generated unprecedented demand for medical consumables.

 

This is leading to demand outweighing supply causing manufacturers to be oversold and in turn increase their prices. Supply from our suppliers is more important to us currently than price. This is unlike any situation we have previously experienced and doesn’t relate to changes in raw material costs or currency fluctuation.

 

This has left us with no option but to pass on these increases as follows:

 

With Immediate Effect

All back orders for face masks will be cancelled and we will advise when stock is available again.

 

15th March 2020

Prices of all disposable PPE workwear will increase by 20% – This is due to all these products being

manufactured in the shutdown areas in the Hubei region Of China. Stock is limited and information on future arrival dates is difficult to obtain and unlikely to be achieved. Stock will be prioritised for regular customers.

 

1st April 2020

Vinyl disposable gloves – 10% increase

Nitrile disposable gloves – 5% increase

Latex disposable gloves – 5% increase

Aprons – 5% increase

 

As with any price increases, we consider them very seriously and only request them when completely necessary as we know it causes significant disruption. That is why we are not requesting increases in any of our other product categories.

 

Unfortunately, as this virus moves around the world, we can’t guarantee that supply of other products won’t be affected, and further increases may be needed.

 

As one of the largest suppliers of these products in Europe, we have a global supply chain that will enable us to manage the current market situation. However, as we are currently experiencing unprecedented demand on some lines, we will not be able to supply any additional volumes. We are also expecting to have periods of out of stocks on some products over the coming months.

 

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused but in the current climate we are prioritising ongoing supply over everything else.

 

If you have any questions regarding our pricing changes, please contact your Area Sales Manager.

 

With thanks from the Polyco Healthline Team.

Posted in Market news, Supplier news