"Daily Mask Production Increased from 6 Million to Over 12.5 Million"
"Number of MB Filter Manufacturers Rises to 11... Ministry of Industry Also Joins Joint Response Team"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Kim Yong-beom, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, stated on the 21st, "The daily production volume of masks has expanded from the initial 6 million to over 12.5 million, and it is expected that production can reach up to 16 million. We are making every effort to stabilize supply and demand, with the number of manufacturers producing the core raw material filter (MB) increasing to 11."
On the afternoon of the same day, Vice Minister Kim held a 'Meeting to Review the Status of Government Ministries' Efforts to Prevent Market Disruption of Masks and Related Items' at the Government Seoul Office Building, stating, "To ensure the smooth supply of health masks and others, we are mobilizing all available policy capabilities across the entire process of production, distribution, and sales."
Vice Minister Kim explained, "To block illegal activities during distribution, we have made production, distribution, and sales channels transparent through measures such as the government joint inspection team on the 31st of last month, the prohibition of hoarding notice on the 5th, strengthened export reporting on the 6th, and emergency supply-demand adjustment measures on the 12th."
As of today, 164 suspicious cases have been detected, with 14 cases reported to the police and under investigation. An additional 150 cases are planned for further investigation.
Vice Minister Kim said, "We have continuously promoted efforts to expand supply through public distribution channels such as public home shopping, Nonghyup sales networks, and post office shopping malls to make it easier for the public to purchase masks," adding, "As a result of these measures, the mask stockout rate has decreased, and the proportion of pharmacies and marts where masks can be purchased has increased."
He also expressed regret, saying, "Although there are some signs of supply improvement, such as a slight downward stabilization in prices, it is still difficult to purchase masks online, and prices remain high, so difficulties persist."
According to Statistics Korea, the online price of masks (KF94) dropped from 4,616 won on the 10th to 3,411 won on the 19th. In contrast, offline prices rose from 2,609 won on the 10th to 2,638 won on the 19th.
Vice Minister Kim emphasized, "We will continue and strengthen market stabilization measures and enforcement activities until the supply of health masks and others becomes smooth. In particular, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has joined the government joint inspection team to more closely monitor the production and distribution processes to ensure the smooth supply of the essential raw material MB filter (melt-blown nonwoven fabric) and to strengthen support efforts necessary for supply stabilization."
He added, "During this nationally critical time, we will thoroughly investigate and relentlessly pursue and severely punish market disruption acts that hold the safety of the people hostage."
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