Earthquake And Tsunami In Japan – Global Impact

The extraordinary images and reports of the devastation from the Japan earthquake and tsunami are staggering. While the focus has understandably and appropriately been on the human toll and concern for the well-being of friends, colleagues and business partners who may be personally affected by this disaster, its impact will extend far beyond those whose lives and businesses were immediately disrupted. A recent article in The Wall Street Journal reports that the earthquake alone may have caused $15 to $35 billion in insured property losses in Japan, and total economic losses are likely to be significantly more. We already are seeing assessments of the disaster's impact on businesses globally, not the least of which involves disruptions to the global transportation network for products, component parts and supplies.