Industry energy-environmental efficiency: Analysis from imports and regulatory policy in an emerging economy

Coordinating the intermediate goods imports considering industrial energy-environmental efficiency, within a green, low-carbon, and circular development system, is a key strategic measure for China to achieve its carbon peak, carbon neutrality goals, and promote high-quality development. This paper examines the impact and mechanisms of intermediate goods imports on China’s industrial energy-environmental efficiency, using data from China’s industrial sectors between 2000 and 2020. The study reveals that intermediate goods imports play a crucial role in enhancing the energy-environmental efficiency of industries. Intermediate goods imports enhance energy-environmental efficiency by fostering technological innovation and improving human capital levels. The impact of intermediate goods imports on improving energy-environmental efficiency is more pronounced in low-energy and high-tech industries. Additionally, industry environmental regulations significantly influence the relationship between intermediate goods imports and energy-environmental efficiency. When environmental regulations surpass a threshold, intermediate goods imports positively contribute to industrial energy-environmental efficiency. This paper investigates key factors for improving industrial energy-environmental efficiency through the lens of intermediate goods imports, offering significant insights for advancing the sustainable development of China’s industry and achieving green transformation.