The Impacts of Trade Facilitation and Restrictions on Chinese Exports: Evidence from Countries in China's Belt and Road Initiative

Abstract: This article employs dynamic panel regression evaluation methods to analyse and compare the market access overall trade restriction index (MA-OTRI) and trade facilitation index systems across various countries. The findings indicate that the free trade with regard to "Made in China" products in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries exhibits three distinct forms: the "double-smooth" trade mode, "single-smooth" mode and "double-blocked" mode. The differentiation between these free trade forms is influenced primarily by interdependence, international outsourcing and enterprise positioning, depending on the government's motivation for formulating trade policy. In addition, bilateral agreements can reinforce the effects of free trade. The authors conclude from this study that deepening cooperation as well as globalisation are effective strategies for promoting free trade in BRI countries.