With U.S. medical personnel and institutions facing key supply shortages in fighting the COVID-19 virus outbreak, trade officials in March removed tariffs on dozens of medical items imported from China. The tariff exemptions on face masks, exam gloves, surgical drapes, protective gowns, medical waste disposal bags, sanitizing wipes, medicine cups, and patient bags, among other items, were expedited during the spreading disease surge. The exemptions were granted to more than 20 companies that manufacture medical supplies.
