In addition, all film companies had disappointing first-quarter sales, partly because of a late Easter and reduced purchases from retailers.

Accompanied by budget cuts that reduced military wages and arms purchases, however, the policy fed resentment within the armed forces.

Some customers sped up their purchases, but only by reducing purchases planned for later.

This has forced small businesses to reduce purchases of business fares or reduce travel altogether, he said.

Chinese academics have suggested that the country's airlines should counter by reducing purchases of Airbus aircraft.

With the overall Medicare cuts, Sun's customers sharply reduced purchases.

Other nations reduced initial purchases or delayed orders while still intending to purchase the same final numbers.

Lucent also expects revenue to decline about 20 percent in the quarter as customers reduce purchases of the company's products.

Many analysts say auto sales will show little improvement in the months ahead as debt-burdened consumers reduce purchases.