Trade and the coronavirus: Africa’s commodity exports expected to fall dramatically

Max Mendez- Parra, March 2020

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The coronavirus pandemic is having notable economic and social effects across the world. Even in countries where the disease has not yet affected a large number of people, the impacts are beginning to be seen. Trade appears to be particularly affected as countries enter into lockdowns and economic activity stops. While trade statistics are not yet available, the evolution of commodity prices and the exposure of many African countries suggest the effects of the crisis will be severe.

Photo: Port in Tema, Ghana. Jonathan Ernst / World Bank. Licence: (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)