On March 16, 2020, the Consumer Brands Association (CBA) submitted a letter to the U.S. State Department and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative asking for an increase in protections against other countries hoarding materials required to make products that keep American consumers healthy, such as food, hygiene, and cleaning materials.  Moreover, CBA also requested that the federal government exempt manufacturing facilities from Center for Disease Control and Prevention gathering limits, which ban the gathering of more than 50 people.

In the letter, CBA noted that it fears that countries may wish to restrict the export of base materials, nutritional and food inputs, chemicals and other essential manufacturing supplies and ingredients, which will prevent U.S. manufacturers from increasing production. Ultimately, CBA stated that this may lead to consumers being unable to obtain products that are vital to treating and stopping the spread of COVID-19.  CBA also highlighted that other counties, like India, Germany, France, the Czech Republic, Turkey, and Russia, have already implemented restrictions on exports of chemicals, medical supplies and other materials.

Last week, CBA also wrote a letter to Attorney General William Barr requesting that there be protections from price gouging of consumer packaged goods due to the coronavirus. We will continue to monitor this issue.