Start of Imported MB Filter Input... "Up to 2.5 Million Additional Masks to Be Produced"

2.5t Launch This Week... 53t Sequential Introduction by June
Ministry of Industry: "Negotiations with 1-2 Companies in Final Stage... Additional Supply"

Sung Yoon-mo, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy. / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The government announced that it has started importing melt-blown (MB) filters, the core raw material for mask manufacturing, from overseas. Starting as early as the 27th, the imported MB filters will be deployed at production sites, enabling the additional production of up to 2.5 million masks.

On the 26th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy stated that the first batch of imported MB filters, which arrived in the country earlier this week, will be put into use from today. The filters will be supplied first to four mask manufacturers whose operations were nearly halted over the weekend due to MB filter stock depletion.

Beginning as early as the 27th, the imported MB filters will be used in production, potentially resulting in the additional manufacture of up to 2.5 million masks. An on-site inspection team composed of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety will monitor production and review further support measures.

This batch of imported MB filters is the first among 28 types from 9 countries to pass Korea’s standard specification, KF (Korea Filter). Some mask manufacturers who have struggled to secure MB filters are expected to welcome this development.

An additional 4.5 tons are scheduled to arrive next week. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy reiterated that a total of 53 tons will be imported by June. Contracts have been signed with two companies from two overseas countries.

An official from the ministry said, "Negotiations for additional imports with one or two more companies are in the final stages, so the volume of imports is expected to increase further."