International Trade Research Articles

Domestic and foreign cap-and-trade regulations, carbon tariffs, and product tariffs during international trade conflicts: A multiproduct cost-efficiency analysis

This paper develops a down-and-out call option model with structural breaks to examine the effects of domestic environmental policies on carbon-intensive firms amid international trade conflicts. The findings reveal that stricter cap-and-trade regulations, carbon tariffs, and product tariffs exacerbate pollutant-specific diseconomies of scale, limit economies of scope, and reduce firm equity. The positive impact on pollutant-specific diseconomies of scale leads to higher pollution, hindering progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy) from a multiproduct cost-efficiency perspective. Meanwhile, the negative impact on economies of scope results in fewer products and pollutants, aligning with SDG 7 but conflicting with Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth), as the scope measure accounts for efficiency in both products and pollutants. Additionally, the negative impact on firm equity discourages progress toward both SDGs, especially during trade conflicts. In summary, environmental policies distinctly affect firm multiproduct cost efficiency and equity, particularly under varying trade conflict conditions.

Understanding the Republic of Malawi’s trade dynamics: A Bayesian gravity model approach

International trade enables countries to expand their markets, access more products, improve resource allocation, and boost economic growth by leveraging comparative advantage and specialization. The aim of this article is to analyze the primary factors that influence Malawi’s international trade flows. The study is relevant because it examines Malawi’s trade patterns with its main partners, which include surrounding nations and traditional trade allies. The novelty is that, through the analysis, the research offers valuable insights into the primary factors that influence Malawi’s international commerce. Panel data is gathered from various sources, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, covering the period from 2000 to 2023 for 11 countries that are trading partners with Malawi. We employ the Bayesian Mindsponge gravity methodology. The results show that the economic size (characterized by the gross domestic product) of the origin and destination countries, bilateral agreements, and the population size of the destination country have a beneficial impact on Malawi’s exports. In conclusion, Malawi’s export performance is significantly enhanced by the economic size of both Malawi and its trading partners, the existence of bilateral agreements, and the population size of the destination countries, underscoring the importance of strategic economic partnerships and targeted trade policies in boosting Malawi’s international trade. We recommend Malawi authorities focus on strengthening bilateral agreements and targeting trade relationships with larger and more populous economies to boost international trade.

INDONESIAN FISHERIES AND SPICES COMMODITIES IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE EUROPEAN UNION: RSCA AND URR ANALYSIS

Although Indonesia has potential in fisheries and spice commodities, Indonesia also faces challenges where food commodities including fisheries and Indonesian spices often experience rejection, especially from the United States and the European Union. On the other hand, with its potential, Indonesian fisheries and spices products are expected to have comparative advantages that result in improved quality of goods and services so as to provide higher competitiveness in international trade. This study aims to determine how the competitiveness and trade conditions of fishery commodities and spices from Indonesia to the United States and the European Union from 2015-2022. The analytical tools used in this study are Revelaed Symetric Comparative Advantage (RSCA) and Trade Specialization index (ISP) to analyze competitiveness while to analyze the reasons for rejection and its relation to the food quality of these commodities the Unit Rejection Rate (URR) analysis is used. From the research results, it was found that all Indonesian fishery and spice products traded to the United States and the European Union have a comparative advantage both in 2015 and in 2022 because they have an RSCA score above 0. While the URR value of Indonesian fishery and spice commodities to the United States and the European Union has also decreased, which means that the number of rejections is decreasing, and the quality of food quality is increasing.

Bone and antler products from the Toretskoye urban settlement of the 15th century ad

Products made of bone and antler complement the characteristics of the material culture of the Toretskoye urban settlement, a major centre of crafts and international trade in the Kazan Khanate. In accordance with the general dating of the single-layer site, all items made of bone and antler have a reliable period of existence within the 15th century AD. Based on frequent numismatic material and other related context, the products receive the status of a chronological and, in some cases, ethnocultural reference point, and in terms of inventory and manufacturing techniques they represent products of urban production. No specialized bone-carving workshops have been found at the site; however, the presence of blanks and faulty products in the coppersmith and blacksmith workshops makes it possible to conclude that bone and antler processing was a related craft of complex production.

The impact of information and communication technologies on international trade: A case of Sub-Saharan Africa

The aim of this research is to analyze the effect of information and communication technologies (ICT) on the bilateral trade flows of the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We use the method of generalized least squares (GLS) panel to correct for correlation and heteroskedasticity problems. We have employed the gravity model extended to ICT to examine the effects of key ICT indicators on bilateral exports and imports. The sample includes 44 African countries of the subcontinent, including 43 countries as partners (importers/exporters) and one reporter country (exporter/importer) and covers the period 2010 to 2019. The results show that access to mobile telephony and the internet, as well as the development of e-commerce, have a great potential for improving intra-African bilateral trade and that the effect of ICT is not unequivocal according to the category of flow considered. However, it emerges from these results that the development of ICT as it is today has not yet succeeded in overturning the argument of physical distance as a barrier to trade in sub-Saharan Africa. The key conclusion is that the establishment of better-quality ICT services and infrastructure is more critical to intra-African trade. African policymakers should accommodate sufficient support to establish the ICT infrastructure and expand ICT penetration by reducing the costs of communication, transactions and access to ICT.

ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF THE POLISH-UKRAINIAN BORDER CONFLICT ON THE EXPORT AND IMPORT ACTIVITIES OF ENTERPRISES

The article focuses on the Polish-Ukrainian border conflict, which has become a focal point of geopolitical tension. The consequences of this conflict extend beyond the political realm and impact the export-import activities of enterprises. The blockades are being implemented in six of the nine directions along the border between Poland and Ukraine, which is a key factor in deepening the crisis. This study aims to comprehensively analyse the multifaceted impact of the conflict on trade dynamics, regulatory changes, operational challenges faced by businesses, and potential strategies adopted to overcome these difficulties. This study uses a mix of methods, such as in-depth interviews with key stakeholders and statistical analysis of trade data from the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, to find out how geopolitical factors, trade policy, and business operations are all connected in complex ways. By shedding light on the complex relationship between border conflict and export-import activity, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and researchers grappling with the effects of geopolitical tensions on international trade.

ORGANIZATIONAL AND FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF DISTRIBUTION MANAGEMENT OF DIGITAL CONTENT

In today's crisis conditions caused by military, financial, economic, social, environmental political upheavals and threats, the role of innovative technologies in trade is growing significantly. First of all, this applies to digital distribution in the book trade. Compared to traditional forms of trade, it does not require extensive infrastructure, large production facilities, or numerous staff. This helps to reduce transaction costs, respond more quickly to changing market conditions and simplify access to international trading platforms. However, the further development of digital distribution requires constant monitoring and analysis of global trends, and implementation of the best domestic and foreign practices to ensure efficient management of trading operations.The purpose of the study is to formulate the main financial and organizational measures to improve the management of digital distribution and increase its efficiency. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were solved: based on scientific publications and statistical data, the author monitored the trends in the development of digital distribution and the e-book market in Ukraine and in the world; analyzed the rank and level of visits to the websites of leading online e-book and audiobook stores in Ukraine; identified external and internal factors that affect the efficiency of digital distribution, in particular, e-books and audiobooks in the current conditions of military aggression and other risks; developed a model for generating revenue for a digital distribution platform.Financial, economic and organizational measures to improve the company's distribution management of digital content are proposed. These include areas of customer incentives and rewards, improved communication with digital goods manufacturers, priority funding for projects to improve the platform interface and mobile application, improved accounting, reporting, operational and strategic planning, and the introduction of artificial intelligence.

Reiβscheiben ingots as markers of copper imports to the market of Medieval Novgorod

During the Middle Ages, massive ingots were the standard type of copper raw material obtained from European mines and exported across the Baltic and North Seas over vast distances. In Russian literature, they are known as “flat cakes” and “loafs”, while in the foreign one they are referred to as Reißscheiben (torn out disk). The article provides information about 24 cases of finding massive ingots. Most of the finds are concentrated on international trade routes and mark the main directions of movement of copper raw materials from mining operations located in the Western Carpathians, Erzgebirge and Eastern Alps, to the North and Baltic Seas. Recording and mapping of Reißscheiben that were not subject to remelting, and, therefore, retained the primary “isotopic marks”, provide valuable information for identifying sources of metal and establishing the routes of importing metal raw materials to the territory of medieval Rus. Huge volumes of copper shipwreck cargoes can be considered as reference samples when interpreting Pb-Pb data obtained for both different types of ingots and finished products.

The Impact of AI on International Trade: Opportunities and Challenges

This study aims to explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in international trade, focusing on its key roles in optimizing trade operations, enhancing trade finance, and expanding market access. In trade optimization, AI leverages advanced machine learning and predictive analytics to enhance demand forecasting, route optimization, and customs procedures, leading to more efficient logistics and inventory management. In trade finance, AI can automate document processing and risk assessment, increasing access to finance and enhancing transactional transparency, particularly through integration with blockchain technology. In terms of market access, AI-driven analytics can identify consumer trends and competitive dynamics, enabling personalized marketing and overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers. Due to the lack of quantitative data, this study employed qualitative research methods, specifically a multiple-case-study approach. The case studies of leading companies such as Alibaba, DHL, and Maersk showcase how they leverage AI to optimize their trade operations, improve customer service, and achieve greater efficiency. These real-world examples demonstrate AI’s practical applications and significant benefits in the global trade landscape. However, the adoption of AI in international trade is not without challenges. These include issues around data quality, ethical concerns, technological complexity, and public perception. Policy recommendations highlight the need for a robust data infrastructure, establishing ethical AI guidelines, and fostering international cooperation to align data protection regulations.

Argentine literature in English: publishing translations subsidized by PROSUR (2010–2020)

ABSTRACT This article focuses on national institutes' translation policies and draws on works that have recast the notion of soft power for the study of cultural production. Our goal is to analyze how Argentine literature circulates abroad, specifically through translations into hypercentral English, with subsidies from the Programa Sur de Traducciones (South Translation Program, or PROSUR). We trace the history of PROSUR – run by the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Worship – and analyze statistical data from institutional databases. Likewise, we study the catalogues, collections, websites, and paratexts of the books sold by a group of publishing houses that have received PROSUR subsidies. Our article suggests that, regardless of the various traits of the titles and the specific profiles of each publishing house, we may identify common trends in relation to how the presses exercise soft power, produce meaning, and introduce Argentine literature in three main ways that we define as political resistance, Latin American literature, and women's writing. Thus, this article is a contribution to the notion of soft power by shifting the focus away from the intent around cultural policy and toward frequently overlooked considerations around the practices of the recipients of cultural policies.

The influence of macroeconomics, banking performance, investment and international trade on public welfare with economic growth variables as intervening variables in G-20 countries

Social welfare can be interpreted as a condition that shows a state of community life that can be seen from the standard of living of the community while what is meant by social welfare is a state of fulfillment of basic needs that can be seen from a decent house, the fulfillment of clothing and food, education, and health, or it can also be said that social welfare is a state in which a person is able to maximize his utility at a certain budget limit level and a condition in which physical and spiritual needs are met. The G-20 was formed because the international community was disappointed with the failure of the Group of Seven (G7) to find solutions to the global economic problems faced at that time . The need to improve banking performance, as well as increase capital with an adequate level of capital because it has a positive effect on Economic Growth but does not significantly have a positive effect on Social Welfare. And foreign direct investment (FDI) needs to be encouraged by G-20 countries to increase FDI so that it can provide new resources and technology, encourage economic growth because it has a positive effect, Investment does not significantly have a positive effect on improving social welfare. The international trade variable, measured by goods exports (X₄) and economic growth, measured by GDP growth (Y1) have a significant influence on GDP per capita growth (Y2) as an indicator of Public Welfare in G20 countries. This shows that increasing exports of goods can drive economic growth and public welfare in G20 countries. Through a deeper understanding of the factors that influence public welfare in G20 countries, more effective economic policies can be designed and implemented.

The rise of digitalization in international trade: Blockchain technology and smart contracts

The rise of digitalization in international trade: Blockchain technology and smart contracts

Exploration of Diversified Assessment Models for Business English Courses

As one of the important courses in majors such as international trade and business management, the assessment method of Business English directly affects students' learning enthusiasm and the cultivation of practical application ability. The traditional single assessment method often focuses on the memorization of theoretical knowledge and test-taking skills, and ignores the assessment of students' practical application ability of Business English. Therefore, it is particularly important to explore diversified assessment models to comprehensively and objectively evaluate students' business English level. This paper aims to explore the construction and implementation of diversified assessment models for Business English courses. By analyzing the problems existing in the current assessment methods, this paper proposes the necessity, design principles and specific implementation strategies of diversified assessment models, in order to provide a reference for the teaching reform of Business English courses.

New Dynamics in the World Rice Market

In the last four decades of the 20th century, the world rice market was highly unstable, with price volatility greater than that on world wheat and maize markets. In the 21st century, however, new dynamics (a thicker world rice market, more irrigation, milder export restrictions) have contributed to a reduction in price volatility that is now lower than that on world wheat and maize markets. In addition, the El Niño events that are responsible for many shocks to the world rice market are largely predictable several months in advance. The reduced volatility on the world rice market and the predictability of El Niño events make it easier to use international trade as an instrument for food security. The recent experience with rice trade liberalization by Asian rice importers has been largely positive, helping to improve food security and the affordability of healthy diets, with little impact on domestic price volatility.

Repeated time-series cross-validation: A new method to improved COVID-19 forecast accuracy in Malaysia

Forecasting COVID-19 cases is challenging, and inaccurate forecast values will lead to poor decision-making by the authorities. Conversely, accurate forecasts aid Malaysian government authorities and agencies (National Security Council, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of International Trade and Industry) and financial institutions in formulating action plans, regulations, and legal acts to control COVID-19 spread in the country. Therefore, this study proposes Repeated Time-Series Cross-Validation, a new data-splitting strategy to identify the best forecasting model that is capable of producing the lowest error measures value and a high percentage of forecast accuracy for COVID-19 prediction in Malaysia. Some of the highlights of the proposed method are:•A total of 21 models, five data partitioning sets, and four error measures to improve the forecast accuracy of daily COVID-19 cases in Malaysia.•The best model selected produces the lowest error measure value for the Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), and Mean Absolute Scaled Error (MASE).•The average 8-day forecast accuracy is 90.2 %. The lowest and highest forecast accuracy was 83.7 % and 98.7 %.

Can cross-border e-commerce development improve supply chain efficiency? Empirical evidence from China

ABSTRACT Cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) is becoming critical for a strong supply chain. Using data from Chinese listed firms and a difference-in-difference (DID) model, this paper examines the impact of CBEC development on supply chain efficiency from the perspective of enterprise inventory. CBEC significantly reduces enterprises’ non-finished goods inventory and improves supply chain efficiency. The mechanism tests reveal three ways in which CBEC optimizes enterprises’ inventory and enhances supply chain efficiency: improving the performance of upstream-facing sourcing, increasing the efficiency of enterprises’ product transformation, and optimizing downstream-facing demand coordination. The heterogeneous results suggest that CBEC has a greater impact on the supply chain efficiency of firms with high operational volatility and capital intensity and low digitization levels. Further, the effect of CBEC on the reduction of non-finished goods inventory is more significant in regions with weak infrastructure development and location endowment. This study provides empirical evidence for the emerging development topic of new international trade patterns empowering industrial supply chains.

Asymmetric distance and business cycles (ΑDBC): A new understanding of distance in international trade models through the example of Iran's trade corridors

We introduce a new concept of distance, and the way this could affect gravity-based trade modeling. Our motivation is twofold: a) global uncertainty in trade relations allows us to treat distance as an asymmetric shock in economic modeling; b) economies of scale in seaborne trade make geographical distance less relevant in trade models, substituted by economic distance, as this can be proxied by ocean freight rates. This, for instance, allows China to import iron ore from Brazil, at three times the distance compared to Australia. We enhance the New Keynesian Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium Model (DSGE) by incorporating a distance shock parameter into the transaction costs function. We test this on Iran's participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as well as in the International North-South Transport Corridor. We conclude that longer physical distances do not necessarily have a negative impact on trade.

A Study on the Evolution of Oil Trade Relations Between Japan and Russia from Geopolitical Perspective

The research on the relationship between international trade and geopolitics has garnered extensive attention. However, there are still numerous aspects worth discussing in the study of the impact of East Asian geopolitics on its economic and trade exchanges. This paper analyzes the changes in the oil trade policy of Japan and Russia under the influence of international relations between ecology and geopolitics. This article also examines the distinct dilemmas of Japan and Russia and the trend of international relations. That is, Russia is facing the blockade of its energy economy and trade by Western countries, and Japan is facing the problem of oil trade simplification, as well as the impact and influence of the international environment and the policies of the two countries. Based on this, this paper puts forward the following suggestions. Japan should seek a trade balance among big countries flexibly and pragmatically. As a big country, Russia should assume a leadership role in global trade while pursuing mutually beneficial and win-win results with other countries.

Trade Elasticities in General Equilibrium: Demand, Supply, and Aggregation

Abstract We develop a general equilibrium model of international trade that incorporates imperfect factor mobility, product entry, and external returns to scale into a unified framework. The effects from these microeconomic channels can be summarized by two composite elasticities that govern supply and aggregation. We structurally derive export supply and import demand curves, develop a heteroskedastic estimator, and estimate supply, aggregation, and demand elasticities across international product markets. Employing our estimated model, we evaluate the impact of recent US protectionist policies and highlight the importance of our estimates and general equilibrium effects for tariff passthrough rates and cross-industry employment reallocations.

Analysis of Hot Spots of Cross-border E-commerce Research based on CiteSpace

In recent years, with the acceleration of globalization and the rapid development of Internet technology, cross-border e-commerce has gradually become an important part of international trade. In order to explore the development and prospects of cross-border e-commerce research, 1252 articles from core journals from 2014 to 2024 are selected as research samples, and CiteSpace 6.3.R1 is used to conduct text statistics and visual analysis on the current situation, hot spots and trends of domestic cross-border e-commerce research.