As per OTEXA, PPE imports by the U.S. surged by 311.60% during January-October ‘20 period in value terms.

Total PPE imports by the country valued USD 16.58 billion in January-October ‘20 as against USD 4.03 billion in the same period of 2019, reports Apparel Resources.

 

The rise in PPE imports is attributed to ongoing pandemic, which has caused massive disruption not just in the country’s healthcare sector but also across industries.

 

Of total import values, nonwoven disposable apparels – designed for use in hospitals, clinics, labs or contaminated areas – contributed USD 3.88 billion, noting 484 % yearly growth.

 

The import value of nonwoven disposable apparels remains the highest standalone value amongst total 23 HS Codes under which USA imported PPE products this year.

 

The import of face masks valued USD 7.41 billion in the said period. OTEXA shows no data for corresponding period of 2019 for face mask imports. As far as import of plastic/rubber gloves is concerned, it valued USD 4.47 billion and upped by 70.61 %.