https://www.wired.com/story/the-coronavirus-is-a-threat-to-the-global-drug-supply/

Shoppers have rushed to stores in Toronto, Chicago, New York, and elsewhere, buying out all the face masks as coronavirus cases began emerging across the globe. As of Tuesday, the US had only five confirmed cases and Canada had just one, but some people don’t like to take any chances. They want protection.

The sell-out of protective gear that was likely made in China—to protect us from a virus coming from China—is a kind of metaphor for a much deeper supply issue posed by the outbreak. Every day, people rely on Chinese companies for life-saving products. The country is the world’s largest producer of active pharmaceutical ingredients, even if the finished medications get put together in the US or another country. Although it’s too soon to feel any repercussions, the coronavirus outbreak adds uncertainty to that supply.