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

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Fuchs, Andreas; Kaplan, Lennart; Kis-Katos, Krisztina; Leue, Sebastian; Turbanisch, Felix; Wang, Feicheng
• 署名单位: University of Gottingen; Leibniz Association; Institut fur Weltwirtschaft an der Universitat Kiel (IFW); Helmut Schmidt University; University of Groningen
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0022-1996
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jinteco.2025.104068
• 发表日期: 2025
• 关键词: Strategic exports; Covid-19; Health crisis management; Medical equipment; Face masks; Diplomatic relations

摘要

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.