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The Latest Generation of SEZs: Consumer-Oriented Unilateralism in China’s E-Commerce Trade

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  • Jie (Jeanne) Huang

Abstract

World Trade Organization multilateralism is driven by manufacturers. However, in China, Cross-border E-commerce Retail Import has spurred a new, consumer-oriented trade unilateralism. Cross-border E-commerce Retail Import prospers within China’s National Cross-Border E-commerce Pilot Cities, which are special economic zones aimed at using unilateral trade liberalization to meet consumers’ growing demands for high-quality foreign products. Cross-border E-commerce Retail Import enhances consumer benefits beyond reducing customer formalities and tax rates and lowering product prices. It re-conceptualizes consumer protection by treating consumers as diverse individuals rather than as a homothetic group. It also empowers consumers by making them ‘importers’ to minimize behind-the-border trade barriers. Cross-border E-commerce Retail Import warrants a rethinking of World Trade Organization multilateralism from its initial focus on corporations and capital owners to a revised focus on consumers.

Suggested Citation

  • Jie (Jeanne) Huang, 2021. "The Latest Generation of SEZs: Consumer-Oriented Unilateralism in China’s E-Commerce Trade," Journal of International Economic Law, Oxford University Press, vol. 24(2), pages 299-320.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:jieclw:v:24:y:2021:i:2:p:299-320.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/jiel/jgab018
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    Cited by:

    1. Kai Zhao & Wanshu Wu & Shengxiang Xu & Jialin Liu & Weidong Sun, 2024. "Location-Oriented Policies in China: Establishment of State-Level Development Zones and Enterprise Innovation Behaviors," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-22, April.

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