This policy brief explores some of the most pressing challenges affecting trade since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and provides policy recommendations to overcome them. Also, this brief suggests new topics that APEC economies should consider during the discussions of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) work programme, including those that have risen in relevance in recent years in the light of the pandemic. APEC’s role as an incubator of ideas presents important opportunities under the FTAAP work programme. This is an opportunity for APEC to start discussions in areas where more work is needed to improve resilience.