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Digital economy of trading partner countries, outward investment, and cross-border E-commerce exports

Author

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  • Han, Guanzhe
  • Li, Fenglei

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of the digital economy development level in trading partner countries on China's cross-border e-commerce export trade. By constructing a comprehensive evaluation system to measure the digital economy development level of trading partner countries, it delves into the specific impact mechanisms on China's cross-border e-commerce exports. The study finds that an improvement in the digital economy development level of trading partner countries significantly promotes the growth of China's cross-border e-commerce export trade volume. Meanwhile, the development of the digital economy not only directly boosts cross-border e-commerce exports but also indirectly drives their development by attracting foreign investment. Additionally, heterogeneity analysis reveals that the promoting effect of the digital economy development level in trading partner countries on China's cross-border e-commerce export trade varies among countries with different income levels, with a more pronounced effect in low-income countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Han, Guanzhe & Li, Fenglei, 2025. "Digital economy of trading partner countries, outward investment, and cross-border E-commerce exports," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 85(PB).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:85:y:2025:i:pb:s1544612325012929
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2025.108034
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    References listed on IDEAS

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