ZAGREB (Croatia), March 26 (SeeNews) - The turnover of 95% of Croatian companies has shrunk due to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the country's Chamber of Commerce said quoting the results of a recent survey.
As many as 28% of Croatian companies saw their turnover reach freezing point, the chamber said in a press release on Wednesday quoting the results of a survey among more than 2,700 firms.
A total of 74% of the surveyed companies reported a decrease in production, as 21% completely halted production. As many as 69% had problems with raw material supply firms and 61% had issues with supply chains. Exports were down for 45% of the companies and 41% registered a decline in imports.
As a result of the crisis, 42% of the companies said they are considering layoffs and 37% are contemplating closing business.
At the same time, 27% have problems caused by employees' sick leaves and self-isolation.
A total of 50% of the companies said they are considering applying for assistance under the government's programme for keeping jobs in the crisis-affected sectors, 35% are interested in taking a soft loan, and 32% are interested in benefitting from the loan repayment moratorium.
Most of the surveyed companies come from the manufacturing and service industry, followed by trade, transport, construction, and the tourism industry.