"If the EU blocks vaccine exports, the UK's vaccination target will be delayed by 2 months"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] An analysis has emerged suggesting that if the European Union (EU) bans COVID-19 vaccine exports, the UK's vaccination target could be delayed by nearly two months.

On the 21st (local time), the British daily The Guardian reported the results of its own analysis with pharmaceutical market research firm Airfinity regarding the EU's export ban measures.

If the export routes for Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson are blocked in Europe, the UK government's plan to complete first-dose vaccinations for all adults by July is expected to be postponed until August 27. The Guardian stated, "This measure could lead the UK government to extend restrictions on daily life, such as lockdowns."

On the other hand, the benefits gained by the EU from this are expected to be limited. The EU aims to vaccinate about 70% of its adult population by this summer. The Guardian argued, "Even if the UK’s vaccine exports are blocked, it will not significantly increase the vaccination rate of European member states," adding, "Because the European population is much larger than the UK’s, the vaccination target date will only be brought forward by about a week."

Rasmus Bech Hansen, CEO of Airfinity, pointed out, "In Europe, vaccine supplies may increase in the short term, but fundamentally there will be no change," and added, "Europe will become more dependent on vaccine imports going forward." He also said, "The export ban will create a lose-lose situation," warning that "it will pose a serious threat not only to Europe and the UK but also to the entire world."

Ben Wallace, UK Secretary of State for Defence, also said in a local media interview on the same day, "If the EU implements the export ban, it will damage their international reputation." He further warned, "If walls are built around the vaccine manufacturing process, it will become difficult to obtain vaccines not only for EU citizens but also for other countries."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.