From foreign trade to manufacturing, industries across the globe are being hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. This also include niche markets like bicycle manufacturing. CGTN's Omar Khan caught up with one American industry leader to hear how they've weathered the storm.

Here at this folding-bike factory in southern China's Guangdong Province, assembly line staff are back to work. The factory belongs to Dahon, a global leader in folding-bike technology, headquartered in California. And much like many other factories and warehouses, the past three months have been difficult, though a recent recovery has brought back a sense of stability.

TU ZHENGHUAI Production Deputy Director, Dahon "Overall since work resumed and up until now, our workforce has been quite stable. The local and district committees carry out regular checks, and we also maintain strict requirements on prevention controls. It hasn't really affected our foreign and domestic orders, it hasn't had a big impact on us."

With nearly 40 years of experience, and having become the world's top designer and producer of foldable bikes, Dahon has built up a sustainable business. But in the times of a pandemic, it seems that no industry would be completely spared from the economic impacts.

DAVID TAK WEI HON Group CEO, Dahon "Well, almost all of China was locked down. So that includes our suppliers, and ourselves. Nothing can be done, for more than 2 months, almost three months. The factory beginning with half the staff, and then increasing now to maybe 80 percent of the staff. So we are getting back to normal probably by the end of next month."

And on the financial side of things, the pains were felt as well, with the company suffering sizeable losses.

DAVID TAK WEI HON Group CEO, Dahon "I think we suffered, between everything, maybe ten, fifteen million RMB."

But even despite operational and financial obstacles, Dahon has seen an overwhelmingly positive rebound. It's perhaps a credit to their ability to set industry standards and develop cutting edge technology.

DAVID TAK WEI HON Group CEO, Dahon "Our business has picked up a lot in the month of March. So, especially in online sales. More than 50 percent. Offline we are still higher than last year same period."

Maintaining a positive yet realistic outlook is something Hon says he'll keep doing. And, there's a lot to look forward to. In recent years the company has developed partnership programs that have enabled other manufacturers to co-brand, share patented technology and work in tandem. But before all of that gets back on track, getting through the current situation remains the top priority.

Omar Khan, CGTN, Shenzhen.