China launched a huge effort to produce protective gear to meet shortages during the pandemic AFP/STRBEIJING: Tens of thousands of mask-making companies mushroomed across China at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, but many are struggling to survive as they face stricter quality control measures and falling domestic demand.
Now the outbreak is largely under control in mainland China, domestic mask demand has dropped dramatically, pushing prices down. China Labour Bulletin, which tracks worker unrest in the mainland, said there had been a number of protests in recent months due to some mask factories closing abruptly and leaving staff unpaid.
Xu said the company now sells each mask for 0.4 yuan - a quarter of the price they sold for at the height of China's domestic outbreak earlier this year.After international complaints about low grade products, Chinese authorities now demand a certificate of quality for those looking to export masks, which has also hit some of the smaller producers.
But China is set to remain the world's top mask provider, according to analysts, with the big companies ramping up production as the virus continues its global march.
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