A-H1N1 flu boosts masks sales

The A-H1N1 flu has boosted sales of clinical masks at the China Import and Export Fair.Many exhibitors have seen orders increase as much as 100 times from a year ago. Some have even run out of stock and supply is still falling far short of demand.

Prices have gone up three times since May, to double the figure before the outbreak of A-H1N1. Other medical products like sterilizing hand gel and clinical thermometers have also seen big increases in overseas orders. To prevent prices from getting out of hand, the commerce ministry says it's worked out plans to ensure market supply.

An exhibitor said, "Many people are looking for masks. The supply can't meet the demand. Orders have been flooding in. Our factories have been working around the clock since the start of the year."

"Our clients from Europe, the US and some Asian countries have showed much more interest in our products at this year's fair. The value of our sales volume has increased between five and six times," said an exhibitor.