As many industrial economies start to reopen after COVID-19 related lockdowns it is tempting to think that the medical war has been won. That of course isn’t the case, with increasing infections globally and a sustained need for medical supplies both for immediate use and to rebuild stockpiles.

Previously relied-upon suppliers may be becoming less dependable. Panjiva’s analysis of official data shows that exports from Japan may have risen by 14.2% sequentially in April, though that still represents 1.1% decline on a year earlier after three months of double-digit increases.

Additionally there has been a marked divergence in performance regionally. On a sequential basis exports to the U.S. surged 119.0% higher in April versus March, while those to China and South Korea fell by 21.5% and 32.8% respectively.

Chart segments change in Japanese exports of medical supplies by destination. Calculations based on Ministry of Finance data. Source: Panjiva

The surge in Japanese exports to the U.S. likely includes FEMA’s Airbridge shipments, though shipments via sea are also increasing. Panjiva’s data shows that U.S. seaborne imports of medical masks likely surged by 461% year over year in the first 15 days of May as well as increasing by 693% on a daily average basis versus April. 

The picture of most other forms of PPE is similar, but not as extreme. Imports of gloves rose by 19.3% sequentially on a daily average basis while shipments of eyewear increased by 36.6%. It’s worth bearing in mind however that imports were still down year over year. Shipments of surgical drapes have not done nearly as well though, falling by 1.8% sequentially and by 21.4% year over year. 

Chart segments change in U.S. medical supply imports by product. May versus April based on data for first 15 days of month. Y-Axis curtailed for clarity. Source: Panjiva