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Mask wars: Sourcing a critical medical product from China in times of COVID-19

Author

Listed:
  • Fuchs, Andreas
  • Kaplan, Lennart
  • Kis-Katos, Krisztina
  • Leue, Sebastian
  • Turbanisch, Felix
  • Wang, Feicheng

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically heightened global demand for critical medical goods, with China being a key supplier. This paper examines the political factors that eased global access to face masks, a vital product during the initial phase of the pandemic. Employing a triple difference-in-differences event study framework, we compare the export dynamics of face masks with those of similar products. Our findings indicate that face mask prices surged after the outbreak of the pandemic, and China’s exports increased in response. Amid global shortages, political alignment at the national and subnational levels, particularly through political ties with Chinese provinces, played a significant role in driving the increase in China’s face mask exports to partner countries. These political connections contributed to export growth at both the extensive and intensive margins. Moreover, sister city relationships appear to have assisted in mitigating the early price increases.

Suggested Citation

  • Fuchs, Andreas & Kaplan, Lennart & Kis-Katos, Krisztina & Leue, Sebastian & Turbanisch, Felix & Wang, Feicheng, 2025. "Mask wars: Sourcing a critical medical product from China in times of COVID-19," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:inecon:v:155:y:2025:i:c:s0022199625000248
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jinteco.2025.104068
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Strategic exports; COVID-19; Health crisis management; Medical equipment; Face masks; Diplomatic relations;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • F59 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - Other
    • H12 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Crisis Management
    • H77 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Intergovernmental Relations; Federalism
    • H84 - Public Economics - - Miscellaneous Issues - - - Disaster Aid
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • P33 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist Institutions and Their Transitions - - - International Trade, Finance, Investment, Relations, and Aid

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