Suppliers are considering giving buyers in China flexibility on deliveries to discourage them from declaring force majeure, offering them a way out of contractual obligations, said the people, asking not to be identified because the information isn’t public.

In Chile, miners are already working with clients to defer cargoes.

“We are working closely with our copper customers as they return from Chinese New Year,” a BHP spokesman said in an email.

The company was unable to comment on commercial arrangements with individual customers.

Copper prices slid for a record 14 straight days in London amid mounting concerns the coronavirus will aggravate the slowdown in global economic growth, crimping demand for the metal used in cars, electronic gadgets and construction.

Prices rebounded briefly this week but resumed their slide Friday as automakers extended their shutdowns.