A trade group of 26 small USA mask makers wrote to President Joe Biden on May 11, 2021, saying low-priced imports, especially from China, threaten to put most of them out of business.
The newly formed American Mask Manufacturer’s Association said its members set up production when masks were scarce early in the pandemic and now cannot sell what they make.
Key details
- The group said its members can make 3.7 billion surgical masks and more than 1 billion N95 masks a year.
- They are holding 260 million unsold surgical masks and 20 million N95s.
- It said 54% of members’ production would go offline in 60 days, and 84.6% in less than a year, without help.
- Members created more than 7,800 USA jobs, but about a third have already been lost.
- The group said imported Chinese surgical masks sell for about one cent each, while raw materials cost three to six cents per mask.
What the group asked for
It urged the government, and any institution using federal money to buy protective equipment, to buy only USA-made masks that meet domestic content rules. It also asked for masks in the federal stockpile that do not meet federal standards to be removed.
“We write to you with a request for immediate help against unfair trade practices by foreign nations that threaten the viability of the US domestic PPE mask manufacturing industry, as well as future US pandemic preparedness efforts.”
American Mask Manufacturer’s Association
FAQ
Who wrote the letter?
The American Mask Manufacturer’s Association, representing 26 small USA mask makers.
How many unsold masks do they hold?
260 million surgical masks and 20 million N95s.
What did they ask for?
Federal buying rules that favor USA-made masks, among other steps.
Source & credit
Source: Reuters via Al Jazeera, May 11, 2021: “US mask manufacturers ask Biden administration for help”.