Researchers, including one of Indian-origin, have revealed that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has made 147 million people unemployed, adding that the global consumption loss due to the COVID-19 amounts to an estimated $3.8 trillion.
Beyond its health effects, the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns have resulted in major social and economic losses worldwide, the researchers said.
While some regions, such as China and the US, have experienced greater direct economic effects than others, the entire world economy has been impacted through international trade links.
"Our study highlights the interconnected nature of international supply chains, with observable global spillover effects across a range of industry sectors, such as manufacturing, tourism and transport," said study researcher Arunima Malik from the University of Sydney in Australia.
For the findings, published in the journal PLOS ONE, the research team applied an economic modelling approach known as multi-region input-output (MRIO) analysis to data on losses experienced by global businesses as a direct consequence of the pandemic.