US Considers 'Defense Production Act' to Order Mask Production

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The U.S. government is considering invoking the 'Defense Production Act' to expand the production of protective equipment such as masks in preparation for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

The Defense Production Act is a measure that grants the president the authority to order companies to increase the production of essential goods for reasons such as national security. This law was established in 1950 for the Korean War. It grants the U.S. president the right to increase industrial production of materials necessary for national security and other purposes. Foreign media expect companies like 3M and Honeywell, the largest mask manufacturers in the U.S., to be subject to this act.

Within the U.S., there have been criticisms that preparations for COVID-19 are inadequate. It is said that 300 million N95 masks should be stockpiled for medical personnel, but the actual number held is only 12 million.

Earlier, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services reportedly discussed applying the Defense Production Act to 'personal protective equipment.' The equipment discussed at the time included masks, gloves, and protective suits.

A U.S. Department of Homeland Security official said, "Only some of these supplies are produced domestically in the U.S.," adding, "It could be difficult to handle domestic production capacity as well."

However, a U.S. government official explained that these matters have not yet been finalized.