US coronavirus supply spree sparks outrage among allies

Share this contentPARIS: From Europe to South America, US allies are complaining about the superpower's"Wild West" tactics in outbidding or blocking shipments to buyers who have already signed deals for vital medical supplies.

Since the virus was first recorded in China late last year, the pandemic has spread around the world. Governments in Europe, the Americas and elsewhere are desperately trying to build up supplies for medics, nursing home staff and the public. US President Donald Trump said on Friday that the US government is now recommending Americans wear cloth face coverings on a voluntary basis to stem the spread of the virus, but the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend wearing medical-grade masks.He also said he was signing a directive to stop the export of N95 respirator masks, which provide essential protection for healthcare workers, and other U.S. medical equipment.

In another case, an order of 200,000 masks bound for Germany from a 3M factory in China were “confiscated” in Bangkok, Berlin Secretary of Interior Andreas Geisel, said in a statement, calling it an “act of modern piracy."A US Department of Homeland Security official told Reuters this week that US companies and the government have been paying above market price for much of the gear purchased overseas.

In Brazil, Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta said this week that China had ditched some Brazilian equipment orders when the US government sent more than 20 cargo planes to the country to buy the same products. Contracts no longer guaranteed delivery, the source said, adding:"Demand is much, much bigger than supply."

America 1st. Gainers : Chinese manufacturers. Losers: Those not as rich. Not in the picture: Those who are poor, at a disadvantage.

So America should put its citizens last? How would that go down in Singapore if their Government adopted that strategy?

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