Missouri Secures Historic $24B Judgment Against China For COVID-19 PPE Disruptions

A Missouri judge has ruled that China must pay $24 billion in damages for its role in limiting access to personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision is a major victory for Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey — who has fought to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable for economic losses tied to the crisis.

Missouri’s lawsuit — originally filed in 2020 — accused China of manipulating the PPE supply chain by seizing control of production and restricting exports. The state argued that these actions led to inflated costs and supply shortages — forcing Missouri to spend significantly more on protective gear while also suffering revenue losses.

Judge Stephen Limbaugh — Jr. — found that China’s actions directly impacted Missouri’s economy — citing strong evidence that the state was forced to pay an additional $122 million for PPE. The court also determined that Missouri lost over $8 billion in tax revenue due to the economic disruptions caused by China’s interference in the supply chain.

Bailey has made it clear that Missouri intends to collect the judgment. If China does not comply — he has vowed to seize Chinese-owned farmland and other assets within the state as compensation. With China declining to participate in court proceedings — the default judgment against the country was widely expected.

Missouri remains the only state to take China to court over its handling of the pandemic. The ruling could inspire other states to explore similar legal action in response to the financial toll caused by the global crisis.

The case had already seen a legal win in 2024 — when the Eighth Circuit Court sided with Missouri’s claims against China. With this final ruling — the focus now turns to how the state will enforce the decision and recover damages.

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