The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) first quarter 2020 Sales History & Outlook Report (SHOR) shows that the COVID-19 outbreak, and oil supply-demand imbalance have resulted in a steep drop-off in sales across many sectors of the economy.

PTDA Distributors SHOR Index and Manufacturers SHOR Index will reach cyclical lows in early 2021 with a subsequent rise lasting through at least 2022.

PTDA Business Index, for distributors rose in the first quarter 2020, reaching 56.1, the manufacturer index was up to 41.7, but indicated manufacturer activity is in decline. The upward momentum in both indices will be short lived, as the impact of the COVID-19 and oil price will likely be more acute in the second quarter.