Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/318268 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Citation: 
[Journal:] Journal of International Economics [ISSN:] 1873-0353 [Volume:] 155 [Article No.:] 104068 [Publisher:] Elsevier [Place:] Amsterdam [Year:] 2025 [Pages:] 1-19
Publisher: 
Elsevier, Amsterdam
Abstract: 
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically heightened global demand for critical medical goods, with China being a key supplier. This paper examines the political factors that eased global access to face masks, a vital product during the initial phase of the pandemic. Employing a triple difference-in-differences event study framework, we compare the export dynamics of face masks with those of similar products. Our findings indicate that face mask prices surged after the outbreak of the pandemic, and China’s exports increased in response. Amid global shortages, political alignment at the national and subnational levels, particularly through political ties with Chinese provinces, played a significant role in driving the increase in China’s face mask exports to partner countries. These political connections contributed to export growth at both the extensive and intensive margins. Moreover, sister city relationships appear to have assisted in mitigating the early price increases.
Subjects: 
Strategic exports
COVID-19
Health crisis management
Medical equipment
Face masks
Diplomatic relations
JEL: 
F14
F59
H12
H77
H84
I18
P33
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Creative Commons License: 
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Document Type: 
Article
Document Version: 
Published Version

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