COVID-19 and Commodities: Assessing the impact on exports from Commonwealth countries

Event date: 05 November 2020, 15:00 - 03 May 2024, 23:14

Commodity exports constitute a large share of world merchandise trade for many developing and developed countries. In 2019, of the US$18.9 trillion merchandise trade, around one third comprised commodities – 25 per cent and 30 per cent for developed and developing countries, respectively.

Commodity exports constitute a large share of world merchandise trade for many developing and developed countries.

In 2019, of the US$18.9 trillion merchandise trade, around one third comprised commodities – 25 per cent and 30 per cent for developed and developing countries, respectively. Out of the 102 commodity-dependent developing countries (CDDCs) in the world, 31 are Commonwealth countries, representing 60 of its membership.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a steep decline in commodities exports and created several macroeconomic challenges for these countries.

This webinar will discuss the findings of a recent study by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). It will:

  • Provide an overview of the salience of commodities in Commonwealth countries’ merchandise exports
  • Analyse the impact of the COVID-19 shock on commodity-dependent Commonwealth countries
  • Assess the export revenue losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic shock and explore variation by sectors, markets and regions

Speakers

  • Dr Brendan Vickers, Head of International Trade Policy Section, Commonwealth Secretariat
  • Marco Fugazza, Research Economist, UNCTAD
  • Dr Salamat Ali, Trade Economist, Commonwealth Secretariat
  • Dr Sophie van Huellen, Lecturer in Economics at SOAS, University of London

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Document
ITWP_2020-14.pdf (1018.51 KB)
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