As COVID-19 spread across countries, many saw global value chains as transmitters of shocks. Using disaggregated export data for multiple countries, this column shows that participation in global value chains increased exporters’ vulnerability to foreign shocks, but it also reduced vulnerability to domestic shocks. Sourcing inputs from abroad is an example of beneficial diversification through trade when domestic production is disrupted. This evidence corroborates the view that nationalising value chains is not the way to improve resilience.
Trade and COVID-19: Lessons from the First Wave