The Impact of Green Trade Barriers in RCEP Member Countries on Agricultural Product Exports from the Yangtze River Delta

This paper examines green trade barriers in RCEP countries using an extended gravity model to analyze their impact and mechanisms on Yangtze River Delta agricultural exports, with policy recommendations. Findings show that despite strengthening barriers, exports to some countries saw countercyclical growth: SPS notifications, a key barrier indicator, positively correlate with exports, especially at higher volumes. Mechanism analysis reveals barriers enhance competitiveness via increased organic certifications, improving product quality. Combining SPS/TBT indicators confirms robust results, offering theoretical and practical guidance for addressing barriers, upgrading agriculture, and promoting sustainable regional development.