The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic On Agricultural Trade

In this study, we analyse the effects of Covid-19 pandemics on agricultural trade. We conduct a descriptive analysis in order to identify the key trends and changes in agricultural trade, production, demand, and food security caused by the pandemic and the related policy measures. Additionally, we compare the effects across regions and subsectors, finding considerable heterogeneity in the trade effects of the pandemic. Finally, an overview of the trade-policy response to the pandemic concerning agriculture is provided. The results of our analysis show that agriculture was highly resilient during the Covid-19 pandemic. Thereby, we identified some of the major reasons for this resilience. We also described some adapting strategies of agricultural firms with the potential to further increase the resilience of agriculture. However, the increased food insecurity and the persistent reactive trade policies raise questions regarding the future of agricultural trade liberalisation