Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the initial purpose of this initiative was to collect information on changes in trade and investment policies related to medical and food products. Information on such policy changes was processed, collated, and then shared on a monthly basis.

Since April 2022, the monitoring initiative was expanded to include global value chain inputs, raw materials, feed, fertiliser and fuel following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Our inventory of policy intervention indicates where state action has been linked to the conflict. Since January 2023, the scope was expanded further to include critical raw materials and related downstream manufactured goods (hence the + in EGI+). Additionally, the inventory also records the stated motive of the implementing government, where available. 

Maps and charts are now issued quarterly summarising key features of commercial policy stance. The maps, charts, underlying inventory, and a methodology note can be downloaded in the winzip file. Additionally, a digest of policy developments is issued quarterly.