US defends restrictions on export of COVID-19 vaccine raw materials to India, says requirements of Americans first The US has ramped up the production of COVID-19 vaccines mostly by Pfizer and Moderna to meet the goal of vaccinating its entire population by July 4. (Image Source: Reuters) Updated: Apr 24, 2021, 10:04 AM IST A senior US State Department official has said that the Biden administration's first obligation is to take care of the requirements of the American people. This statement comes at a time when the United States has restricted the export of key raw materials for the manufacture of the COVID-19 vaccines.