Sequential Introduction Starting with 2.5t This Week Until June
Industry Ministry-KOTRA-Samsung C&T Demonstrate Public-Private Teamwork
"53 Million Masks Manufacturing Volume... Best Effort for Rapid Introduction"
MB Filter 4t Shipped... Supplied to Surgical Mask Companies and Others
[Asia Economy Reporters Kim Bo-kyung and Moon Chae-seok] The government will import 53 tons of melt-blown (MB) filter, a key raw material required for mask manufacturing, from overseas. This quantity is enough to produce up to 53 million masks. This move will ease the supply of masks, which has surged due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on the 20th that it has signed a contract to import 53 tons of MB filter from abroad to stabilize mask supply. The currently confirmed quantity is 53 tons contracted with two companies in two foreign countries. Starting with 2.5 tons next week, the imports will be gradually introduced until June.
Earlier, the Ministry and KOTRA began investigating 113 nonwoven fabric manufacturers in 33 countries from early last month to find MB filters that meet the KF (Korea Filter) standard specifications and the specifications of domestic mask manufacturers. The Ministry and KOTRA imported 28 types of MB filter samples from 9 countries, and decided to import two of the three samples that passed the KF mask performance evaluation.
This contract was achieved through public-private cooperation. The Ministry led the project, and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) worked actively overseas. Private companies such as Samsung Electronics and Samsung C&T used their global networks to facilitate the contract. The Public Procurement Service also demonstrated teamwork by shortening the contract period from 40 days to 5 days.
The urgently imported MB filters will be supplied to mask manufacturers who are struggling with production due to a shortage of MB filter stock. Je Gyeong-hee, head of the Textile Carbon Nano Division at the Ministry, said, "The 53 tons of MB filter can produce up to 53 million masks," adding, "Negotiations with one or two additional overseas companies are in the final stages, so the import volume is expected to increase."
However, it remains to be seen whether the overseas MB filters can smoothly enter the country. As countries around the world are on high alert due to COVID-19, the exporting countries may impose export bans on mask-related materials, similar to South Korea’s restrictions. In the worst case, even the contracted import quantities could fail to be delivered. Je said, "Considering that countries worldwide are sensitive about exporting masks and raw materials due to the spread of COVID-19, the Ministry plans to import MB filters that have passed performance evaluations as quickly as possible."
Meanwhile, on the same day, the government announced that about 4 tons of MB filter will be supplied to seven mask manufacturers through the third release adjustment order. Priority will be given to manufacturers producing surgical masks used by medical staff, and quantities will also be supplied to seven companies that have exhausted their stock. The allocated quantities will be delivered to mask manufacturers starting today and put into production from the 21st. Previously, under emergency supply adjustment measures, the Ministry supplied 4 tons to five manufacturers at risk of production suspension on the 6th, and 4.4 tons to nine manufacturers on the 12th.
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