Network dynamics of international food waste trade: Evidence from the COVID-19 disruption

TL;DR

This study analyzes how global food waste trade networks changed before and after the pandemic, showing decreased trade volumes and new trade blocs.

Contribution

First network analysis of global food waste trade patterns before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

A 9% decrease in average trade volume post-pandemic despite stable network connectivity.

Emerging economies like India and Brazil formed new strategic alliances and trade blocs.

Structural reorganization of trade networks with a distinct Emerging Economies cluster identified.

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive network analysis of global food waste management trade patterns before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Using World Bank export data from 2015 to 2024, we construct directed, weighted networks to examine structural transformations in international trade relationships. Our analysis reveals three key findings: first, while network density and connectivity remained stable, we observed a 9% decrease in average trade volume post-pandemic, suggesting supply chain recalibration. Second, centrality metrics demonstrate the continued dominance of the United States and European nations, though with emerging economies like India and Brazil forming new strategic alliances. Third, community detection algorithms identify a significant reorganization of trade blocs, particularly the formation of a distinct Emerging Economies cluster separate from traditional Western networks. These findings contribute to ongoing discussions about resilience in global food systems, offering empirical evidence of how major disruptions reshape trade relationships while maintaining core structural integrity. The study provides policymakers with quantitative insights for developing more robust food waste management strategies within the circular economy framework.

•First network analysis comparing global food waste trade structures before and after COVID-19.•Reveals 9% decline in trade volumes despite preserved network connectivity.•Documents formation of new trade blocs among emerging economies.•Provides policy-ready insights for strengthening circular waste systems.•Combines macro-scale network metrics with micro-level community detection.

First network analysis comparing global food waste trade structures before and after COVID-19.

Reveals 9% decline in trade volumes despite preserved network connectivity.

Documents formation of new trade blocs among emerging economies.

Provides policy-ready insights for strengthening circular waste systems.

Combines macro-scale network metrics with micro-level community detection.

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