Mask makers contend with new risk in Asia: state intervention

Thailand and China move to secure supplies of coronavirus gear

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A woman wears a mask in Bangkok: Thailand has restricted mask exports. © Reuters

RURIKA IMAHASHI and APORNRATH PHOONPHONGPHIPHAT, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO/BANGKOK -- Thailand and China are pressing foreign businesses into service as the countries cope with the coronavirus outbreak, illustrating a risk of relying too heavily on Asia as the world's factory.

Koken, a Japanese maker of professional-use masks, was unable to export its product from Thailand for two weeks due to government restrictions.

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