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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsBBC: Coronavirus: US accused of 'piracy' over mask 'confiscation'
The US has been accused of redirecting 200,000 Germany-bound masks for its own use, in a move condemned as "modern piracy".https://www.bbc.com/news/world-52161995
The local government in Berlin said the shipment of US-made masks was "confiscated" in Bangkok. The FFP2 masks, which were ordered by Berlin's police force, did not reach their destination, it said. Andreas Geisel, Berlin's interior minister, said the masks were presumably diverted to the US.
The US company that makes the masks, 3M, has been prohibited from exporting its medical products to other countries under a Korean-War-era law invoked by President Donald Trump. On Friday, Mr Trump said he was using the Defence Production Act to demand that US firms provide more medical supplies to meet domestic demand.
"We need these items immediately for domestic use. We have to have them," Mr Trump said at the daily Coronavirus Task Force briefing at the White House. Mr Geisel said the diversion of masks from Berlin amounted to an "act of modern piracy", urging the Trump administration to adhere to international trading rules.
"This is not how you deal with transatlantic partners," the minister said. "Even in times of global crisis, there should be no wild-west methods." Mr Geisel's comments echo the sentiments of other European officials, who have complained about the buying and diversion practices of the US.
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BBC: Coronavirus: US accused of 'piracy' over mask 'confiscation' (Original Post)
Celerity
Apr 2020
OP
Is this the shipment that Pence's task force halted that was going to Bangkok, but
Baitball Blogger
Apr 2020
#3
If it is, someone needs to explain to us why a shipment meant for Germany was going to Bangkok,
Baitball Blogger
Apr 2020
#5
dewsgirl
(14,961 posts)1. Yes. A highly likely story, what an embarrassment.
babylonsister
(171,106 posts)2. Making us proud yet again.
Baitball Blogger
(46,775 posts)3. Is this the shipment that Pence's task force halted that was going to Bangkok, but
was really going to Germany? ???
Celerity
(43,683 posts)4. not sure TBH
Pence task force freezes coronavirus aid amid backlash
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/31/pence-task-force-coronavirus-aid-157806
this is great though:
Link to tweet
Baitball Blogger
(46,775 posts)5. If it is, someone needs to explain to us why a shipment meant for Germany was going to Bangkok,
unless Bangkok was being used as a shell, or was reselling masks that were meant for its own country?
Celerity
(43,683 posts)6. that was what I was wondering too, unless the masks were sent from the US West coast and part of a
a multi-destination ship's cargo
we would need to see the supply-chain's docs
Baitball Blogger
(46,775 posts)7. +1
SheltieLover
(57,073 posts)8. Probably so
I could see dump confisgating & reselling at outrageous prices. What a ridiculous situation & the worst international embarrassment ever!