Panel SA: Sales of PFF2 masks should fall 10% this year, says industry

Manufacturers of PFF2 type masks, which offer greater protection against the coronavirus, forecast a 10% drop in sales this year, compared to those registered last year, according to the National Association of the Material Industry for Safety and Protection at Work (Animaseg ).

The companies’ expectation is to reach the end of the year with 440 million units sold. Last year, there were 488 million.

According to the organization, the national industry has the capacity to produce 600 million masks per year, but has lost ground in competition with imported models. The government reduced the import tax and banned the export of domestic products during the pandemic.

The industry of PFF2 masks, which are also used as PPE (Individual Protection Equipment) by workers from various segments, grew 206% last year, compared to 2019, according to the organization.

Before the pandemic, around 159 million units were produced. The number of manufacturing companies also increased, from 28 before the pandemic to 86 in October this year.

With the relaxation of the use of masks in some cities, prices fell. A mask of the PFF2 type leaves the industry with an average price of around R$ 1, according to the organization. The value is well below that recorded at the peak of the pandemic, when it ranged from BRL 3 to BRL 9.

with Ricardo Balthazar (interim), Andressa Motter e Ana Paula Branco