CHICAGO/NEW YORK—The outbreak of coronavirus in China has forced U.S.-based suppliers to industrial giants such as Caterpillar Inc., Deere & Co., and Komatsu Ltd. to grapple with a surge in costs to avoid production disruptions.
As the outbreak slows exports from the global manufacturing hub, the higher prices for everything from tubes to metal pieces could further dent earnings of tractor and machinery makers that are already battling with a downturn in America’s industrial economy.
