How Do Differences in Data Regulatory Policies Affect the Quality of Digital Product Exports?
CHEN Qianying1, LIU Zhizhong2
1. School of Economics and Management, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China; 2. Institute of Japan Studies, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110034, China
Abstract Based on the CEPII and ECIPE-DTE databases, this study examines the impact of data regulation policy differences on the quality of digital product exports. The results show that the expansion of differences in data regulation policies has significantly hindered the quality upgrading of digital product exports. This conclusion remains valid after a series of robustness tests. Mechanism analysis reveals that differences in data regulation policies primarily hinder the improvement of digital product export quality by increasing trade costs and suppressing technological innovation. However, the digital trade rules of RTA have a moderating effect and can weaken the inhibitory effect of the differences in data regulation policies on the quality upgrading of digital product exports. The heterogeneity analysis indicates that differences in domestic data regulatory policies have a stronger inhibitory effect on the quality upgrading of digital product exports. Specifically, differences in data regulatory policies exert a more significant inhibitory effect on the export quality of the four categories of digital products other than miscellaneous electronic products. Additionally, differences in data regulatory policies among developed countries more notably inhibit the quality upgrading of digital product exports. The conclusion provides a reference basis for the establishment of a high-level data governance system and the construction of a digital trade power in the context of institutionalized opening up in China.
CHEN Qianying,LIU Zhizhong. How Do Differences in Data Regulatory Policies Affect the Quality of Digital Product Exports?. Economic Survey, 2025, 42(6): 059.
2025, Vol. 42 
