Search Results (19)

Cross-border e-commerce logistics has long prioritized delivery speed; however, the trade-offs between cost-effectiveness, carbon emissions, risk, and financial performance have received relatively little attention. To address this deficiency, this study constructs a fuzzy nonlinear multi-objective optimization framework that integrates the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and the Sobol sensitivity analysis to capture the uncertainty and nonlinear dynamics of logistics systems. Using operational data from a Taiwanese cross-border e-commerce exporter from 2023 to 2024, empirical results show that extending the standard 25-day delivery time to an acceptable maximum of 32–37 days (i.e., an extension of 7–12 days) can reduce logistics costs per order by 22–38%, carbon emissions by 18–31%, and increase financial returns. Sobol sensitivity analysis further demonstrates that extended delivery time (T) is a significant controllable factor ($S_1=0.62, {ST}_1=0.75$). This study empirically verifies the profitability and sustainability of moderately T, challenges the current “speed-first” model, and provides a transparent, replicable, and scalable decision-making framework for promoting low-carbon, economically viable cross-border e-commerce supply chains. Full article

Cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) is a driving force behind international trade and corporate upgrading in the era of global digital transformation. This research aims to investigate the extent to which the establishment of China’s Cross-Border E-Commerce Comprehensive Pilot Zones (CBECPZs) expands the innovation boundaries of firms. We employ a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) model to analyse panel data for Chinese A-share listed companies from 2010 to 2023, viewing the phased introduction of CBECPZs as a quasi-natural experiment. The empirical results indicate that the establishment of CBECPZs substantially expands the innovation boundaries of firms, as evidenced by an increase in patent applications in new technological domains. This finding is confirmed by parallel-trend checks, propensity-score-matching DID, placebo testing, and double-machine-learning calculations. The mechanism analysis shows that CBEC mainly fosters innovation by improving enterprises’ digital-marketing capacities, reducing information asymmetry, promoting technology spillovers, and encouraging human-capital investment. In addition, the strategy promotes innovation more effectively for eastern Chinese companies, high-technology firms, and non-state-owned enterprises. This study provides micro-level evidence from China regarding the innovative effects of cross-border e-commerce and clarifies how digital trade redefines organisational innovation parameters. In doing so, it offers both theoretical and practical insights for policymakers refining CBEC regulations and businesses leveraging digital platforms for innovation advancement. Full article

Cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) involves online transactions between sellers and consumers across national borders. Despite increasing volatility in international trade, the CBEC market continues to grow, making it critical to understand how firms manage logistics uncertainty. This study investigates how internal and external uncertainties differently influence logistics service flexibility (LSF) and logistics information system (LIS) utilization. Using survey data from 214 CBEC professionals primarily located in Korea, structural equation modeling (SEM) reveals divergent patterns: (1) external uncertainties enhance logistics flexibility, whereas internal uncertainties show no significant direct effect; (2) internal uncertainties negatively affect LIS utilization, while external uncertainties show a marginally positive relationship; and (3) LIS utilization mediates the negative pathway from internal uncertainty to flexibility. These findings indicate that firms respond asymmetrically to uncertainty sources, challenging the view that uncertainty universally promotes digital adaptation. Framing LSF (reconfiguration) and LIS use (sensing/seizing) as distinct dynamic capabilities, our results show source-contingent activation: external turbulence catalyzes reconfiguration, whereas internal frictions dampen sensing/seizing, indirectly suppressing flexibility. By identifying an indirect-only (negative) pathway from internal uncertainty via LIS, we refine dynamic capability theory in CBEC logistics and delineate boundary conditions under which uncertainty does not automatically induce digital adaptation. Full article

As a new engine for promoting the high-quality development of China’s foreign trade, digital trade provides new opportunities for enterprises’ low-carbon transition. Based on samples of export industrial enterprises listed in China from 2010 to 2023, this paper uses the digital trade policy represented by the cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) comprehensive pilot zone as a quasi-natural experiment and employs a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) model to empirically analyze the policy effect of digital trade development on firms’ carbon emission intensity. This research finds that (1) digital trade policies represented by the pilot policy can significantly reduce firms’ carbon emission intensity and (2) the pilot policy can achieve the emission intensity reduction effect through dual paths of “internal innovation deepening” and “external environment optimization”. The internal innovation deepening refers to the green awareness formation and green production implementation of enterprises. External environment optimization refers to financial support resources for enterprises and institutional safeguards for innovation rights of enterprises. (3) Further analysis indicates that the policy effects are more pronounced in firms with higher risk preference, with larger scale, in heavily polluting and high-tech industries, and in the central and northeastern regions. Additionally, the policy demonstrates synergistic effects with the Belt and Road Initiative and exhibits significant spatial spillover effects, benefiting neighboring non-pilot areas. Full article

Using platform self-operation, customer reviews, and compensation commitments as traditional benchmarks, this study foregrounds blockchain traceability as a technology-enabled authenticity signal in cross-border cosmetic e-commerce (CBEC). Using an 8-scenario orthogonal experiment, we test a model in which perceived risk mediates the effects of authenticity signals on purchase intention. We probe blockchain boundary conditions by examining their interactions with traditional signals. Our results show that blockchain is the only signal with a significant direct effect on purchase intention and that it also exerts an indirect effect by reducing perceived risk. While customer reviews show no consistent effect, self-operation and compensation influence purchase intention indirectly via risk reduction. Moderation tests indicate that blockchain is most effective in low-trust settings—i.e., when self-operation, reviews, or compensation safeguards are absent or weak—while this marginal impact declines when such safeguards are strong. These findings refine signaling theory by distinguishing a technology-backed signal from institutional and social signals and by positioning perceived risk as the central mechanism in CBEC cosmetics. Managerially speaking, blockchain should serve as the anchor signal in high-risk contexts and as a reinforcing signal where traditional assurances already exist. Future work should extend to field/transactional data and additional signals (e.g., brand reputation, third-party certifications). Full article

Based on the perspective of multi-stage dynamic competition, this study constructs a discrete dynamic model of price competition between the “direct sales” and “resale” channels in cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) under three blockchain deployment modes. Drawing on nonlinear dynamics theory, the Nash equilibrium of the system and its stability conditions are examined. Using numerical simulations, the effects of factors such as the channel price adjustment speed, tariff rate, and commission ratio on the dynamic evolution, entropy, and stability of the system under the empowerment of blockchain technology are investigated. Furthermore, the impact of noise factors on system stability and the corresponding chaos control strategies are further analyzed. This study finds that a single-channel deployment tends to induce asymmetric system responses, whereas dual-channel collaborative deployment helps enhance strategic coordination. An increase in price adjustment speed, tariffs, and commission rates can drive the system’s pricing dynamics from a stable state into chaos, thereby raising its entropy, while the adoption of blockchain technology tends to weaken dynamic stability. Therefore, after deploying blockchain technology, each channel should make its pricing decisions more cautiously. Moderate noise can exert a stabilizing effect, whereas excessive disturbances may cause the system to diverge. Hence, enterprises should carefully assess the magnitude of disturbances and capitalize on the positive effects brought about by moderate fluctuations. In addition, the delayed feedback control method can effectively suppress chaotic fluctuations and enhance system stability, demonstrating strong adaptability across different blockchain deployment modes. Full article

The port logistics service innovation (PLSI) is closely associated with cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) enterprise performance, given that the port, as the spatial carrier and the joint point of goods, information, customs house affairs, etc., is essentially a key node of the CBEC logistics chain. However, the influence mechanism of PLSI on CBEC enterprise performance has still not yet been elaborated by consensus. To fill this gap, this study aims to figure out the effect mechanism integrating the probe into two variables (i.e., information interaction and environmental upgrade) in a moderated mediation model. Specifically, this study collects questionnaire survey data of logistics enterprises and CBEC enterprises in the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port of China by the Bootstrap method in the software SPSS 26.0. The results show the following: (1) PLSI can positively affect the CBEC enterprise performance; (2) information interaction plays an intermediary role between PLSI and CBEC enterprise performance; and (3) environmental upgrade can not only positively regulate the relationship between information interaction and CBEC enterprise performance, but also enhance the mediating role of information interaction with a moderated intermediary effect. Full article

Cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) is rapidly growing as a global trade engine. Simultaneously, its rapid expansion also poses environmental challenges and worsens supply chain sustainability. Advanced information technology (IT) significantly enhances supply chain visibility and promotes cooperation, thereby improving the efficiency and sustainability of CBEC supply chains. However, the application of IT is accompanied by an increase in service costs, necessitating a comprehensive balance for enterprises. This paper constructs a CBEC supply chain consisting of an overseas supplier and two merchants, where one merchant adopts advanced IT to provide differentiated services. A game-theoretic model is employed to analyze the IT application decisions under price and service competition in supply chain members’ cooperative and non-cooperative scenarios. The results indicate that service differentiation generated by advanced IT is influenced by consumer preferences. Merely applying advanced IT may not necessarily improve competitiveness and efficiency, and may even lead to negative utility. When the products sold are similar and the service cost coefficient is constant, those who apply advanced IT to provide higher service levels can gain competitive advantages and obtain more profits. When the service differentiation between merchants is constant, CBEC supply chains implementing centralized strategies can achieve greater profits. Full article

This research investigates the factors influencing the adoption of cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) among manufacturing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Thailand by integrating the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI), Resource-Based View (RBV), and Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) frameworks with the Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method. The findings reveal that knowledge of e-commerce, international marketing capabilities, and security and risk concerns are primary drivers of CBEC adoption, while socio-cultural factors and cost-related issues are secondary enablers. This study contributes to the e-commerce adoption literature by developing a context-specific, integrated conceptual framework and empirically validating the causal interrelationships among technological, organizational, and environmental factors in CBEC adoption using Fuzzy DEMATEL. The results provide actionable insights for both MSMEs and policymakers to strengthen Thailand’s participation in the digital economy and advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8 and 17. Full article

As a key initiative to integrate economic growth and green development in the era of the digital economy, the environmental effects of China’s Cross-border E-commerce Comprehensive Pilot Zone (CBEC-PZ) policy are not yet clear. Based on city-level data from 2014 to 2021 in China and leveraging the CBEC-PZ policy as a quasi-natural experiment, this study reveals that the CBEC-PZ policy has significantly enhanced local air quality, with particularly pronounced effects in eastern regions. While the policy did not degrade air quality in surrounding areas, spatial correlations of air quality levels among regions were observed due to atmospheric circulation dynamics. These findings underscore the importance of emphasizing regional coordination in green development within urban governance frameworks. The CEBC-PZ promotes the transformation of the energy structure and the improvement of air quality through reverse innovation, an ecological competitive advantage, and an agile governance mechanism. It is recommended to help synergize sustainable development and high-quality development in terms of strengthening reverse innovation and institutional innovation, expanding cross-regional synergistic governance, and deepening digital-real integration. Full article

Trust from sellers is essential for the success of cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) platforms, and effective platform governance plays a crucial role in shaping and maintaining this trust. However, institutional distance can lead to deviations in sellers’ understanding and implementation of platform governance mechanisms, posing a threat to the establishment of trust relationships. Research on the impact of platform governance mechanisms on trust from the seller’s perspective is still relatively limited. Therefore, we aim to investigate the mechanisms through which formal governance mechanisms (normative, supervisory, and reward–punishment mechanisms) and relational governance mechanisms (community building) influence seller trust, and we examine the moderating effect of institutional distance. Through empirical analysis of 391 valid questionnaires, our results show that normative mechanisms and community building enhance seller trust by reducing their perceived risks, while the supervisory mechanism and reward–punishment mechanism directly affect seller-perceived risks and platform trust. Institutional distance negatively moderates the governance effectiveness of these mechanisms. Our findings offer significant theoretical contributions by advancing the understanding of seller behavior, extending platform governance and trust theory in CBEC research field, and enriching institutional distance frameworks, while providing practical insights for platforms to optimize governance mechanisms to foster seller trust. Full article

To investigate the dynamic complexity of chain-to-chain output decisions in a closed-loop supply chain system of cross-border e-commerce (CBEC), this study decomposes the system into four product–market (PM) chains, based on the e-commerce platform’s information-sharing strategy and the manufacturer’s selected logistics mode (direct mail or bonded warehouse). By combining game theory with complex systems theory, discrete dynamic models for output competition among PM chains under four scenarios are constructed. The Nash equilibrium solution and stability conditions of the models are derived according to the principles of nonlinear dynamics. The stability of the model under the four scenarios, as well as the impacts of the initial output level and comprehensive tax rates on the stability and stability control of the system, are analyzed using numerical simulation methods. Our findings suggest that maintaining system stability requires controlling the initial output levels, the output adjustment speeds, and tariff rates to remain within specific thresholds. When these thresholds are exceeded, the entropy value of the model increases, and the system outputs decisions to enter a chaotic or uncontrollable state via period-doubling bifurcations. When the output adjustment speed of the four PM chains is high, the direct-mail logistics mode exhibits greater stability. Furthermore, under increased tariff rates for CBEC, the bonded warehouse mode has a stronger ability to maintain stability in system output decisions. Conversely, when the general import tax rate increases, the direct-mail mode demonstrates better stability. Regardless of the logistics mode, the information-sharing strategy can enhance the stability of system output decisions, while increased e-commerce platform commission rates tend to reduce stability. Interestingly, the use of a non-information-sharing strategy and the direct-mail logistics mode may be more conducive to increasing the profit levels of overseas manufacturers. Finally, the delayed feedback control method can effectively reduce the entropy value, suppress chaotic phenomena in the system, and restore stability to output decisions from a fluctuating state. Full article

The rapid development of cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) has enabled more suppliers to expand into overseas markets, meeting increasingly diverse consumer demands. Selecting an effective logistics mode is a crucial issue for suppliers, yet uncertainty in demand and exchange rate fluctuations make this problem challenging. This paper considers a supply chain consisting of a supplier and a CBEC platform. Using a distributionally robust optimization approach, we provide optimal overseas warehousing strategies and logistics mode selection for suppliers, given partial distribution information of market demand and exchange rate, such as means, variances, and covariances. It is found that when demand and exchange rate fluctuations are small, the supplier chooses the bonded warehouse logistics mode to reduce costs. Conversely, when demand and exchange rate fluctuations increase, the supplier opts for the direct mail mode to respond flexibly to market risk. The correlation between exchange rate and demand also affects the choice of logistics mode. Specifically, with low correlation, the preference is for the bonded warehouse mode, whereas high correlation leads suppliers to choose the direct mail mode. In addition, the impact of demand and exchange rate fluctuations on suppliers’ overseas warehousing volumes depends on the product’s profit margin. These findings provide guidance for the selection of CBEC logistics under exchange rate risk. Full article

The utilization of digital technologies is rapidly increasing businesses’ capacities for innovation and growth, especially in the case of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with strong benefits in efficiency, competitiveness, and market reach. We aimed to study the impact of digital technologies on cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) in Italian SMEs, with regard to three main ICT areas: e-business, e-marketing, and e-commerce. Using a regression analysis, the study found that e-business tools have an unclear impact on cross-border e-commerce, while e-marketing tools, such as data tracking for medium-sized enterprises and social media for all SMEs, have a positive and significant impact on the online export performance. Finally, we examined the impact of being present on a marketplace rather than having a proprietary e-commerce website, and we found that having a presence on marketplaces such as Amazon or Alibaba is more effective than having a proprietary e-commerce website in terms of cross-border online sales. These results are useful both for policy makers and managers, since making informed decisions to develop SMEs is crucial for industrial strategy effectiveness. Full article

Due to the rapid development of the internet, cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) is gaining popularity. With CBEC, consumers from different countries can overcome the limits of languages and currencies to buy desired products directly. However, compared to domestic e-commerce, CBEC confronts significant challenges, such as risky distribution channels, dependency on third-party logistics, customs clearance, etc. Therefore, multi-faceted efforts are needed to promote CBEC. Traditional studies probe CBEC through a logistics and operational perspective; this study bridges a research gap by stressing a human–computer interaction perspective. Under the premise that technical infrastructure keeps improving, consumers’ expectations of switching to CBEC has been an essential issue. Specifically, this study develops a theoretical model that emphasizes website cues as experienced utility and the perceived effectiveness of e-commerce institutional mechanisms (PEEIM) as decision utility to investigate their effects on the purchase intention of CBEC. This study applied Smart PLS 3.0 to verify the research model with 300 valid responses from online questionnaires. Research findings confirmed the proposed model. Practical strategies for promoting CEBC were suggested accordingly. Full article