As per OTEXA, PPE imports by the US surged by 311.60 per cent during January-October ’20 period in value terms.

Total PPE imports by the country valued $16.58 billion in January-October ’20 as against $ 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 $3.88 billion under 6210105000, noting 484 per cent 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, which clubs 5 HS Codes 6307909845, 6307909850, 6307909870, 6307909875, 6307909891, valued US $ 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 (a combination of 7 HS Codes – 3926201010, 3926201020, 4015110110, 4015110150, 4015190510, 4015190550, 4015191010) is concerned, it valued US $ 4.47 billion and upped by 70.61 per cent.