The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented global health and economic crises. National and international measures, including social and economic lockdowns, and suspension/ban of international passenger travel to control its spread have led to a breakdown of cross-border trade and value chains at national, regional and global levels. In its wake, the East African Community (EAC) and other countries must identify and implement measures to rebuild their economies for prosperity in a new normal world setting post-COVID-19. This study contributes to regional trade policy actions based on systematic examination of the scope of trade effects and the underlying trade environment that acts to amplify or cushion the impacts.
