Fragrance industry advocates say 10% to 15% of raw materials used in fragrance come from China, many subject to tariffs imposed in the US-China trade war. The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for tariff relief, as fragrance plays a vital role in germ-killing and personal hygiene products in high demand, commenters tell the USTR.

Leading chemical firms, beauty and consumer health companies, even distilleries and medical marijuana cultivators are adapting operations to meet global demand for hand sanitizers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, plaintiff’s attorneys are busy with multiple class actions against Purell manufacturer GOJO Industries for alleged false advertising following a January warning letter to the firm from the US FDA.

UNPA anticipates supplies of a ‘significant number’ of China-sourced supplement ingredients will be ‘critical’ by late April as Covid-19 disrupts shipments. During a recent webinar, UNPA CEO Loren Israelsen said he expects disruptions to continue until at least mid-year.