Partial Export Allowed for Nonwoven Fabric Used in Mask Filters... "Measure to Strengthen Industrial Competitiveness"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The government has decided to partially allow the export of nonwoven fabric for mask filters starting from the 6th.

On the 5th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that it has newly established and will enforce the "Emergency Supply and Demand Adjustment Measure for Nonwoven Fabric for Mask Filters" starting on the 6th. This follows the expiration of the previous notice, which was enacted on March 6th.

The newly established notice expands the definition of nonwoven fabric for mask filters to include not only melt-blown (MB) nonwoven fabric but also composite nonwoven fabric (SMS) that combines melt-blown and spunbond (SB, the inner and outer materials that wrap the mask), subjecting them to supply and demand management. Composite nonwoven fabric is mainly used as a mask filter for droplet blocking.

While the government had previously banned the export of nonwoven fabric for mask filters in principle, it will now partially allow exports up to 15% of the production volume of the previous two months per manufacturer.

An official from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy explained, "This measure aims to restore market functions and strengthen the competitiveness of the domestic nonwoven fabric industry by expanding into overseas markets."

However, considering the supply, price, and inventory of domestic nonwoven fabric for mask filters and masks, the export volume will be adjusted and decided through consultation with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

To prevent indiscriminate exports through distribution companies, the export entities are limited to manufacturers and export agents contracted with manufacturers.

Previously, reports on production, shipment, and sales status were manually prepared and submitted daily, but this will be replaced by electronic system registration. Reporting on weekends and holidays will be done on the next business day to reduce inconvenience for companies.

The enforcement period of the notice is from the 6th of this month until January 5th of next year.

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