Food security fears stoked as exporters curb sales

Global food security concerns are mounting, with some nations contemplating restricting the flow of staples, as around a fifth of the world's population goes under lockdown.

But protectionism could cause devastating ripple effects.

The heads of the World Trade Organization and U.N. food agencies delivered a stark warning: Food supply chains must be protected from new trade measures.

In a joint statement, they said:

"Uncertainty about food availability can spark a wave of export restrictions, creating a shortage on the global market."

Vietnam, for example, is the third largest rice exporter.

It’s already restricted sales - amid concerns over domestic availability.

India, the top global rice exporter, has just entered a three-week lockdown - bringing several logistics channels to a halt.

Such measures are particularly damaging to food-deficit countries, like the United Arab Emirates which imports 80-90% of its food.

Nations such as Egypt, Iraq and Saudi Arabia are boosting imports as they build strategic stocks.

Aid agencies' food procurement, too, could be hampered - cutting off supplies for those in desperate need.