Pandemics and Cross-Border Trade

Abstract

This paper examines the impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on cross-border trade and its
implications on trade within and amongst African countries. Intermittent outbreaks of infectious
diseases have had profound and lasting effects on societies throughout history. Using desk research,
the paper argues that the COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented public health, social and
economic challenges, including affecting international trade. Measures to curb the spread of the
disease shut down large swathes of the global economy leading to dramatic negative supply and
demand shocks. This study argues that pandemics are inherently uncertain, necessitating flexible
policies in responding to outbreaks as they develop.