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Vaccination

EU Export Controls on Vaccines May Impact Australia's Rollout

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The European Union's decision to impose export controls on vaccine manufacturers has left Australia in a precarious position, after being left off a list of nations exempt from the new restrictions. The move, which was telegraphed by the European Commission, aims to tighten the export rules of shots produced in the 27 EU countries, sparking a global diplomatic row. Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca had previously revealed it would cut deliveries of its vaccine to Europe by 60% in the first quarter due to production problems at a factory in Belgium, prompting a tense diplomatic spat between Brussels and the UK.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU's "vaccine export transparency mechanism" will control shipments to non-EU countries and ensure any exporting company based in the EU first submits its plans to national authorities.
  • The mechanism will be used until the end of March and has been roundly criticised, including by the World Health Organisation's director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
  • AstraZeneca's production problems at a factory in Belgium have prompted a 60% cut in deliveries to Europe, leading to a shortfall in doses for the continent.
  • Pfizer, currently the only company to have secured the approval of Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration, may have its supply of vaccine doses impacted due to the EU's decision.
  • Australia's health minister, Greg Hunt, has confirmed the country will seek "certainty" for vaccine supplies from the WHO and EU.
  • The Australian government had not publicly responded to the EU's decision by noon on Saturday.
  • Pfizer is due to begin sending about 80,000 doses per week from Belgium to Australia from next month.

Statistics:

  • The EU has exempted over 120 countries from the new regulations.
  • AstraZeneca has cut deliveries of its vaccine to Europe by 60% in the first quarter.
  • Pfizer is due to send about 80,000 doses per week to Australia from next month.
  • Australia had been due to import 3.8 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine from Europe, which has now been cut back to 1.2 million doses.
  • The EU's "vaccine export transparency mechanism" will be used until the end of March.

Sources:

  • "AstraZeneca to cut European vaccine deliveries by 60%" by Reuters (Source: Reuters)
  • "Australia to seek certainty on vaccine supplies as Europe tightens export rules" by Michael McGowan (Source: Europe's decision to impose export controls on vaccine manufacturers)
  • "EU to impose export controls on vaccine manufacturers" by EU Press Release (Source: EU Press Release)

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