Does China ban export of masks and related materials?

Rumor: China has banned export of surgical masks and related materials due to COVID-19.

Fact:

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said at Monday's regular press conference that China has not imposed trade restrictions on the export of masks and their manufacturing materials. He also said that for neighboring countries, this is exactly the time for solidarity and mutual assistance to overcome the challenge together.

According to Geng, "the Chinese government has not imposed any trade restrictive measures on the export of face masks and their manufacturing materials. Companies can still trade according to market principles. That being said, masks remain in short supply in China as epidemic response continues and work and production resumes across the nation, which can make it difficult to buy masks from China. Ruthless as the epidemic, humanity will prevail through solidarity and mutual support.While meeting its own challenge, China is ready to provide masks and other medical protective supplies to support other countries' outbreak response. Together, we will defeat the epidemic."