The Donald Trump White House has requested medical supply maker 3M to stop exporting respirators to Canada and Latin America in an attempt to prioritize the American market.
In a statement issued Friday morning, the Minneapolis, Minnesota-based company confirmed that the Trump administration has invoked the Defense Production Act to require 3M to prioritize orders from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, in the U.S. The move also included a request to increase imports from 3M's overseas operations of the much-needed devices in the fight against COVID-19.
But 3M also confirmed the unusual export-stoppage request, which only covers the company's U.S.-produced respirators. 3M officials said they object to the request, noting "significant humanitarian implications" as the company is a critical supplier of the device to both Canada and Latin America. 3M also said the move would ultimately hurt the U.S. as other markets retaliate with reduced exports to the U.S. for other goods.
It is unclear at this point whether 3M will comply with the White House request.
China earlier this week already severely restricted the export of medical supplies such as masks, goggles and ventilators to countries like Canada.
