Covid-19 has spoilt chances of a summer bonanza for domestic air conditioner (AC) manufacturers. The firms had to first grapple with the supply chain disruption in China and costlier imported parts due to a depreciating rupee.
Now, the bigger blow of the lockdown has dimmed hopes of even a sales gain in the June quarter. Typically, the first quarter is the peak season for the industry and accounts for about half of AC manufacturers’ annual sales.
Even if the lockdown is lifted on 3 May, consumers are likely to take time to return to sales outlets. “Our analysis suggests secondary sales (retail) may be down 30% year-on-year (y-o-y) in Q1FY21 and another 10% y-o-y in the September quarter (Q2FY21)," said a report by Motilal Oswal Financial