Research on the Impact of Digital Trade Barriers on International Business and Countermeasures

Abstract

In the contemporary digital economy, digital trade barriers have emerged as significant external risks for enterprises engaging in international business despite the digital economy’s role as a critical driver of international commerce. This study examines the relationship between digital trade barriers and international business through a theoretical model, investigating the influence mechanisms of digital trade barriers alongside other factors. Utilizing data from several countries spanning from 2015 to 2022, this research employs correlation analysis, benchmark regression, and robustness tests within a constructed benchmark regression model to explore the impact of digital trade barriers on international business. The findings indicate a significant negative correlation between digital trade barriers and international commerce, with a 1% increase in the trade restriction index of digital services resulting in a 0.217% decrease in international commerce (p<0.01). Additionally, while R&D intensity and total trade have positive effects on the development of international commerce, trade openness appears to have a negative impact. Given these results, it is recommended that governments enhance the construction of digital service trade systems and actively engage in the formulation and convergence of international regulations. Simultaneously, enterprises should elevate their technological capabilities related to digitization to effectively navigate and mitigate the impacts of digital trade barriers.