THE EFFECTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON FOREIGN TRADE IN IMMUNOLOGICAL PRODUCTS: AN EVALUATION

Purpose- The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant changes in the expectation of the foreign trade of consumer products at the global level. This prevention purpose is to reduce and analyze the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on foreign trade in harmful products. It is aimed to understand the world created by the planet of the pandemic through the examination of foreign trade data such as exports, imports, trade fees and prices of consumer products from the consumption of the epidemic. In addition, it is planned to analyze criteria such as overview countries and incomplete trade structures, demand, and supply chain, and make an assessment on the difficulties and challenges that arise in this process. Methodology- The data of the study consists of secondary data at the macro level. Foreign trade data belonging to 300215- “Immunological products, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale” product group, which is under the main heading of HS 30 pharmaceutical products in the Customs Tariff Schedule and included in the 6-digit product classification, has been used. Relevant data were compiled from the website of the International Trade Center (ITC) trademap.org. As a result of the evaluations made within the scope of the research, interpretations will be made in the light of all the information obtained by giving the current situation of the countries. Findings- The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on foreign trade in immunization products. During the pandemic, many countries have experienced an increase in demand for immunization products and have sought to strengthen the supply chain to increase production. However, some countries are facing supply challenges due to limited production capacity, supply chain disruptions and fluctuating demand. Conclusion- As a result, the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on foreign trade in immunization products. Research results show that the pandemic has caused changes in supply and demand arrangements in the sector. Countries have turned to increasing local production to strengthen the supply chain and meet their own needs. This has led some countries to increase exports, while imports have increased in other countries. These research results suggest that the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on foreign trade in immunization products are significant and the sector needs to take strategic steps to adapt to these changes. Policymakers should support the sector with measures such as strengthening supply chains and improving trade regulations. Businesses should adapt to changing conditions through strategies such as supply chain management, demand forecasting and market diversification. Keywords: Immunological products, foreign trade, Türkiye JEL Codes: M16, F49, Z00