Vietnamese enterprises exported a total of 846 million medical face masks in the first eight months of 2020, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs (GDVC).

Vietnamese enterprises exported a combined of 846 million medical face masks in the first eight months of 2020

In August, over 70 companies in Vietnam exported medical face masks to countries such as the US, Europe, Singapore, or South Korea, among others, with over 135 million units, down 12% month-on-month.

Notably, this marks a decline in two months runnning in Vietnam’s face mask export, following a 35% month-on-month decrease in July.

Since May, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc approved the export of medical face masks and protective gear provided domestic demand and reserves are met.

However, the export turnover of face masks declined in July after the Covid-19 pandemic was gradually contained in many countries. In the domestic market, demand for face masks has also weakened as local people are calmer and more experienced in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Under the growing impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, face mask production is considered a viable solution for garment companies in Vietnam to maintain operations and offset losses from lower demand for garments.