THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON WOOD TRADE IN MONTE CARMELO-MG

Abstract

Covid-19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that emerged in December 2019 in China. In 2020, many countries were affected, including Brazil. Its fast propagation forced the government to create preventive measures: social isolation, lockdowns and operations restricted to essentials services. These preventive measures generated significant impacts on the economy and changes for the consumer. Several sectors were affected, including the timber trade. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the timber trade in the Monte Carmelo city and surroundings (up to 60 km). Data were manually computed in spreadsheets and analyzed according to the according to the variables. Tables and frequency graphs were created and descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were calculated. To analyze the relationship between the variables, the chi-squared test (χ2) was used with an admitted confidence interval of 95% (p<0.05). The results of the questionnaire were obtained through telephone interviews with traders in the sector. The answers indicated that the crisis caused by the pandemic affected negatively the local trade, due to the decrease in income, increase in expenses, layoffs reduction of purchase and sales. However, 14% of the businesses had a positive impact, considering that there was an increase in sales. Possibly, due to better adaptation in the change of services and use of digital media, aiming to increase or maintain sales.