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

Andreas Fuchs, Lennart Kaplan, Krisztina Kis-Katos, Sebastian Leue, Felix Turbanisch and Feicheng Wang

Journal of International Economics, 2025, vol. 155, issue C

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.

Keywords: Strategic exports; COVID-19; Health crisis management; Medical equipment; Face masks; Diplomatic relations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F14 F59 H12 H77 H84 I18 P33 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:inecon:v:155:y:2025:i:c:s0022199625000248

DOI: 10.1016/j.jinteco.2025.104068

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