Abstract Based on the Chinese Industrial Enterprise Database, the Chinese Customs Database and the World Input-Output Database (WIOD) from 2000—2013, this paper constructs a micro panel data to examine the effect of the upstream degree of import on the quality of enterprises’ exported products. The study finds that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between import upstreamness and the quality of exported products by manufacturing firms. After introducing instrumental variables and removing the interference of tariff factors and firm-specific factors, the regression results remain robust. Mechanism testing shows that the upstream degree of imports mainly plays a role in promoting and then suppressing the quality of export products through the embedded technical level of imported products, enterprise total factor productivity and R&D efficiency. The heterogeneity analysis indicates that the impact of import upstreamness on the quality of exported products is more pronounced for processing trade firms, foreign-invested firms, firms in high-tech industries and firms located in the eastern region. Moreover, under certain conditions, regional factor mobility can enhance the effect of import upstreamness on the quality of exported products.The conclusion of this study has important reference value for promoting the quality upgrade of export products and promoting the high-quality development of trade from the perspective of import structure.
2025, Vol. 42 
