Manufacturers of face masks, test gloves, and other disposable medical tools in the US have been severely impacted by cheap Chinese imports, especially during the COVID pandemic when exports were halted by Beijing.
President Trump’s tariff announcement further unsettled the few companies producing protective gear in the US, leading to retaliatory measures by Beijing.
Lloyd Armbrust, CEO of Armbrust American, expressed mixed feelings about the situation, acknowledging the need for independence from China but questioning the impact of the tariff as an industrial policy.
Although the US once dominated the production of personal protective equipment, China now produces over 90% of the medical supplies worn by American healthcare workers.
Amid concerns about imported medical products and the impact of the trade war with China on global supply chains, industry experts stress the importance of encouraging domestic production.
Mike Bowen, of Prestige Ameritech, highlighted the risks of relying on foreign-made PPE and emphasized the need for a shift towards American-made masks and gloves.
In response to the shortage of protective gear during the pandemic, several startups emerged in the US to produce masks and other medical supplies. However, many of these businesses have since closed due to declining demand and changing perceptions of mask-wearing.
John Viera Mowich of United States Mask was one of the entrepreneurs who stepped up to address the shortage by opening an N95 factory in Texas.
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Source: www.nytimes.com