Concern that multinationals tapping global, not domestic, suppliers
Washington. As the United States continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA) has identified hundreds of U.S. manufacturers available to produce needed medical equipment. A survey conducted by CPA found more than 600 domestic manufacturers with the capacity and resources to make personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical devices. CPA conveyed their willingness to help in a letter to President Trump.
“America’s manufacturers stand ready to help our nation in time of need,” said CPA Chair Dan DiMicco. “Domestic manufacturers can ramp up or modify their existing capabilities to produce needed equipment for the COVID-19 crisis. We look forward to connecting President Trump and his COVID task force with companies that have expertise in making active pharmaceutical ingredients, printed circuit boards, precision metal and plastic parts, optics, textiles, and other equipment.”
The Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA) is concerned that large multinational companies involved with the production of COVID-19 supplies are continuing to rely excessively on global supply chains. This simply sends federal funds out of the country, supporting foreign suppliers even as an unprecedented seventeen million Americans filed for unemployment in the last three weeks.
CPA is urging that large, multinational original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) work with domestic suppliers by sharing designs and inviting bids. Federal agencies should ensure that this underutilized domestic manufacturing capacity is tapped in order to help to save lives, rebuild equipment stockpiles, and assist with economic recovery.
“It’s very wrong for OEMs and federal agencies to rely on offshore supply chains without making herculean efforts to tap domestic manufacturers,” said Michael Stumo, CEO of the CPA. “The 600 companies we identified are the tip of the iceberg. Federal agencies like FEMA – and large companies producing for the government like Philips Healthcare or General Motors – must prioritize including America’s workers in these efforts. The president can lead by demanding domestic production of medical equipment and other critical supplies. This pandemic is an opportunity to rebuild our economy.”
Click here for a list of manufacturers ready to assist with COVID-19 relief.
Click here to read more about America’s over-reliance on global supply chains for pharmaceutical and medical production.
*Updated as of April 10, 2020 at 10:38 am
