Data from Retail Economics and law firm Squire Patton Boggs showed 52% of retailers had experienced delays in their supply chains as a direct result of the virus, which has caused chaos at warehouses across China.

A quarter of retailers, including grocers, fashion operators, and health and beauty specialists, said the delays were “a significant issue” for their businesses, while 28% admitted they had suffered supply chain delays but insisted they “can manage the disruption”.

However, only 7% of retailers surveyed said they had flexible enough supply chains to allow them to switch suppliers away from China.