The Contributions of International Students to International Trade and Cross-Border E-Commerce: Evidence from China

Abstract

International students contribute to countries in various sectors: economic, social, cultural, and scientific fields. China is not an exception. Recently, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Chinese government does not allow foreign customers to come to China. Thus, customers not relying on cross-border e-commerce platforms get in touch with Chinese companies through foreigners residing in China, especially international students. This paper assesses the contributions of international students to China’s international trade and cross-border e-commerce. We used a questionnaire to collect data from 144 international students currently studying and living in China. Then, we used descriptive statistics to analyze the data. Findings indicate that international students play a crucial role in China’s international trade and cross-border e-commerce. On the one hand, they connect foreign customers with Chinese companies; check their offices and factories on behalf of family members, friends, and acquaintances. Moreover, they help foreign customers to purchase items from China. On the other hand, international students promote and advertise China’s cross-border e-commerce platforms in foreign countries through their social networks. They buy things from China’s cross-border e-commerce platforms for sending to their home country and play an essential role in cross-border e-commerce’s live streaming. However, very few international students have an opportunity to do an internship in China during their studies. Therefore, the Chinese government should promote internships for international students and facilitate the employment of graduated students. Keywords: international students, international trade, cross-border e-commerce, China DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/14-16-08 Publication date: August 31 st 2022