Taiwan Likely to Lift Mask Export Restrictions Starting June

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] The Taiwanese government is expected to lift the export ban on surgical masks starting June 1.

According to Taiwanese media on the 26th, the Taiwanese authorities are reviewing plans to lift the export ban on surgical masks, which was imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chen Shih-chung, head of the Taiwan Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), stated, "Taiwan will soon lift the restrictions on mask exports," adding, "Taiwan is currently producing more masks than the amount it can stockpile," and "Once the condition of securing a certain quantity of government reserves and the amount available for donation to other countries is met, the mask export restrictions will be lifted."

Chen explained, "The decision on whether to lift the mask export ban could be made as early as this week," and "Masks other than those purchased collectively by the government can be freely sold by manufacturers."

It is reported that the lifting of the mask export ban is likely to take effect from June 1. The Taiwanese government reportedly held a meeting on the morning of that day to decide how many masks the government will secure.