They wanted to export it to the west where they did not distributors. There was no demand economy in the west.

I see in your other comment that:

based on the article the issue was the state taking a defensive measure for the glassworks industry

That is very much not in the article. Nowhere does it mention the state taking any measures.
What the article fails to point out that the glassware industry who’s profits were jeopardized was the western one. The profit oriented one.

Also please note that East Germany was more than just East Berlin.