Export bans on coronavirus vaccines are a problem, but why is the supply of vaccines so limited in the first place?

News of the blockage of a shipment of 250,000 COVID-19 vaccines from Europe to Australia has caused concern and outrage.

The immediate problem will probably be quickly solved through diplomatic channels. Even if it is not, onshore manufacturing of the AstraZeneca vaccine will soon make up for any shortfall in Australia’s vaccine supply.

But to avoid these types of supply shortfalls in future, it’s important to address the underlying problems behind this example of vaccine nationalism.

Australia is both a victim of these problems, as well as a contributor.

Why has Australia’s shipment of vaccines been blocked?

Italy has blocked the shipment of AstraZeneca vaccines based on export authorisation rules introduced by the European Union in…