'Coronavirus' Boosts Exports of Personal Care Products

Coronavirus outbreak spurs domestic producers into action. Medical manufacturers, noting a 20 percent increase in January chemical product exports compared to the same month last year, will submit a file to the Ministry of Industry and Technology and the Ministry of Trade this week that includes support for domestic industry. Coronavirus outbreak spurs domestic producers into action. Medical manufacturers, noting a 20 percent increase in January chemical product exports compared to the same month last year, will submit to the Ministry of Industry and Technology and the Ministry of Trade officials this week a file that includes support for domestic industry. The coronavirus, identified in China and now posing a threat to dozens of countries, is affecting daily life. As experts explain ways to protect against the virus, demand for hygiene products, particularly masks, has exploded worldwide. When Chinese companies at the top of the supply chain in this field were sidelined, Turkish companies' exports increased. In January alone, Turkey's exports of cleaning products excluding soap reached USD 38.5 million. İKMİB (Istanbul Chemical Substances and Products Exporters Association) Chairman Adil Pelister stated that the sudden demand for 3 million masks could not be met because Turkey does not have such capacity. Emphasizing that demand is not limited to masks alone, Pelister said: "Demand for personal hygiene products has also increased. Particularly our exports to the near region showed a notable increase in January." Pelister pointed out that when looking at İKMİB's January 2020 export data, there was a 20 percent increase compared to the same month last year, but demand continues to grow by 30-40 percent. "In Turkey, Chinese products were preferred for personal hygiene products like cleaning wipes and medical products, and domestic producers could not grow. Chinese products, chosen for their low price, are now being avoided. But this situation has shown that if domestic industry is supported, the quality of Turkish companies' products makes a difference," said Pelister, adding that they have also brought this matter to the public's attention along with the coronavirus outbreak.

Licensing procedures should be accelerated

Noting that they expect health and industry ministries to make decisions supporting domestic companies in chemistry-based products based on this situation, İKMİB Chairman Adil Pelister continued: "Of course, a middle ground must be found against the risk of potential misuse here. Inspections should be tightened, separate support processes should be established for large-scale companies and for SMEs. We have prepared a file on this matter. The medical committee within İKMİB will meet with officials from the Ministry of Industry and Technology and the Ministry of Trade in the coming days. And we will present the file we have prepared." Source: Dunya.com News: Yasemin Salih