Has Covid-19 Shaken the World Trade and China’s Preeminence?

Abstract

The study compares the world trade network among the top merchandise trading countries before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. China’s preeminence in world trade during the 2020 pandemic is also examined. The results reveal that the pandemic did not change the position of the countries in the world trade network during 2020, however, it drastically reduced trade density, interconnectedness, and connectivity. During 2020, China’s trade preference was inclined toward intraregional trade due to the COVID-19 restrictions, which helped it regain global leadership.