People wearing protective face masks use a smartphone on a street amid coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns in Kiev, Ukraine March 17, 2020. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko
Reuters: WTO report says 80 countries limiting exports of face masks, other goods
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Eighty countries and customs territories have banned or limited the export of face masks, protective gear, gloves and other goods to mitigate shortages since the coronavirus outbreak began, the World Trade Organization reported on Thursday.
It said the bans were imposed by 72 WTO members and eight non-WTO member countries, but only 13 WTO members had notified the global trade body as required by its regulations.
Lack of transparency about restrictions and failure to cooperate internationally could undermine efforts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 disease, which has infected 2.64 million people around the world and killed 184,910, the WTO said.
“While the introduction of export-restrictive measures is understandable, the lack of international cooperation in these areas risks cutting off import-reliant countries from desperately needed medical products and triggering a supply shock,” the WTO report said. “And by interfering with established medical supply chains, such measures also risk hampering the urgently required supply response.”
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WNU Editor: Truth be told. Most countries are now prioritizing their needs first.
