Gov't to restrict face mask exports

People wearing face masks contend with a rainy Tuesday in Seoul. AP

By Jung Min-ho

The government said Tuesday it will restrict the export of face masks over the next two months to ensure sufficient domestic supply amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said that, from Wednesday, mask manufacturers will not be allowed to export more than 10 percent of their daily production until April 30.

The manufacturers also are required to release at least 50 percent of their daily output to designated retailers, including Korea Post and Nonghyup.

"There have been setbacks in supplying enough masks to the public despite the fact that the daily production of masks has doubled to 11 million in the past two weeks," Minister Lee Eui-kyung said during a press briefing. "To meet the domestic demand, we will limit the amount of masks for export."

The ministry will also require surgical mask makers to report their daily production, prices and who they sold their products to.

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