Digital Service Trade Exports, Expanding Domestic Demand, and Improving Subjective Welfare Levels
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62381/E264213
Author(s)
Ling Yang*
Affiliation(s)
Economic School of Shanghai University Shanghai, China
*Corresponding Author
Abstract
In order to better leverage the impact of exports on domestic demand and the subjective welfare level of residents, this article systematically studies the mechanism by which digital service trade exports expand domestic demand and improve subjective welfare levels by increasing household income or employment. Through matching UNCTAD and CFPS data, empirical research has found that digital service trade exports significantly expand domestic demand and improve residents' subjective welfare levels, and the effectiveness of the intermediate impact mechanism has been verified. Meanwhile, the promotion effect of digital service trade exports on service consumption is greater than that on physical consumption. From the perspective of physical consumption segmentation, the promotion effect of digital service trade exports on household equipment and daily necessities consumption is greater than that on clothing, shoes and hats consumption and food consumption. From the perspective of service consumption segmentation, the promotion effect of digital service trade exports on residents' cultural, educational, and entertainment consumption is greater than that on transportation and communication consumption and education consumption, but has no significant effect on healthcare consumption. At the same time, the impact of expanding physical consumption on the subjective welfare level of residents through the export of digital service trade is greater than the impact of expanding service consumption on the subjective welfare level of residents. Therefore, this article proposes that we should make good use of the comparative advantage of digital service trade exports to expand domestic demand and enhance people's well-being, thereby contributing to accelerating the formation of a new development pattern with domestic circulation as the mainstay and connecting domestic and international circulations, and continuously improving people's happiness.
Keywords
Digital Service Trade Export; Expand Domestic Demand; Improvement of Subjective Welfare Level; Service Consumption; Physical Consumption
References
[1]Qu Fengjie. The Relationship and Coordination between Domestic and Foreign Demand in China. Economic Research Reference, 2005 (32): 8-14.
[2]Yang Yunjie. Research on the Relationship between Domestic and External Demand in China's Economic Development. Economic Research Reference, 2007(34):11-16.
[3] Borga M, Koncz-Bruner J. Trends in Digitally-enabled Trade in Services, 2012.
[4] Timothy J. Sturgeon, Torbjörn Fredriksson, Scarlett Fondeur, and Diana Korka, International Trade in ICT Services and ICT-Enabled Services: Proposed Indicators from the Partnership on Measuring ICT for Development (Geneva, Switzerland: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Division on Technology and Logistics, Science, Technology and ICT Branch, ICT Analysis Section, October 2015)
[5] Grimm A N. Trends in U. S. Trade in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Services and in ICT-enabled Services. Survey of Current Business, 2016,96(5) : 1-19.
[6] Jia Huaiqin, Liu Nan. Review and Suggestions on Research on Digital Trade and Its Measurement: A Review Based on Domestic and Foreign Literature. Economic Statistics (Quarterly), 2018 (1): 270-277.
[7] Jia Huaiqin, Gao Xiaoyu, Xu Xiaojuan, Fang Yuanxin. A Preliminary Study on the Conceptual Framework, Indicator System, and Measurement Methods of Digital Trade Measurement. Statistical Research, 2021 (12): 30-41.
[8] Sheng Bin, Gao Jiang. Digital Trade: An Analytical Framework. International Trade Issues, 2021 (8): 1-18.
[9] Lv Yanfang, Fang Ruonan, Wang Dong. Topological Structure Characteristics and Impact Mechanisms of Global Digital Service Trade Network. Quantitative Economics and Technical Economics Research, 2021 (10): 128-147.
[10]Simon Abendin, Pingfang Duan. International Trade and Economic Growth in Africa: The Role of the Digital Economy. Cogent Economics & Finance, 2021, 9:1911767.
[11]Abeliansky, Ana L and Hilbert, Martin. Digital Technology and International Trade: Is it the Quantity of Subscriptions or the Quality of Data Speed that Matters? Telecommunications Policy, 2017,41(1):35-48.
[12]Shamel A Zmeh, C Hristopher F Oster. The International Trade Regime and the Quest for Free Digital Trade. International Studies Review, 2020(22): 671–692.
[13]Erich H. Strassner, Jessica R. Nicholson. Measuring the Digital Economy in the United States. Statistical Journal of the IAOS, 2020(36): 647–655.
[14]Yeerken, A, Feng, D. Does Digital Service Trade Promote Inclusive Domestic Growth? - Empirical Research of 46 Countries. Economic and Labour Relations Review, 2024,35(2):292-318.
[15]Han Jing, Jiang Ruyue, Sun Yawen. Digital Service Trade and Carbon Emissions: An Empirical Study Based on 50 Countries. Journal of International Business and International Business University, 2021(6): 34-49.
[16]Lv Yanfang, Fang Ruonan, Wang Dong.Topological Structure Characteristics and Impact Mechanisms of Global Digital Service Trade Network. Quantitative Economics and Technical Economics Research, 2021 (10): 128-147.
[17]Qi Junyan,Qiang Huajun.Have the Restrictions on Digital Service Trade Affected Service Exports? Empirical Analysis Based on Digital Service Industry.World Economic Research, 2021 (9): 37-52+134-135.
[18]Sun Weizeng, Wu Jianfeng, Zheng Siqi. The Consumer Driving Effect of Location Oriented Industrial Policies-An Empirical Study Using Development Zone Policies as an Example. Chinese Social Sciences, 2018 (12): 48-68+200.
[19]Song Ze, Zou Hong. Differentiation in Growth: A Study on the Impact of Cohort Effect on Household Consumption [J], Economic Research, 2021 (1): 74-89.
[20]Tang Qi, Xia Qingjie, Li Shi. Analysis of Consumption Structure of Urban Households in China: 1995-2013.Economic Research, 2018 (2): 35-49.
[21]Liu Zhibiao. The Potential of Expanding Domestic Demand, Especially Consumer Demand in China: Total Quantity, Structure, and System. Jianghuai Forum, 2025 (4): 132-139+193.
[22]Weixing Wu, Jing Zhao. Economic Policy Uncertainty and Household Consumption: Evidence from Chinese Household. Journal of Asian Economics, 2021(12):1-27.
[23]Chen Changsheng, Xu Wei, Lan Zongmin, Li Chengjian. Basic Characteristics, Development Trends, and Improvement Strategies of Consumption Tendency in China. World Economy, 2021 (8): 46-58.
[24]Ray Galvina, Minna Sunikka-Blank. Economic Inequality and Household Energy Consumption in High-income Countries: A Challenge for Social Science Based Energy Research. Ecological Economics, 2018 (153): 78-88.
[25]Clark,A. E.,P Frijters, M.A. Shields, Relative Income, Happiness and Utility: An Explanation for the Easterlin Paradox and Other Puzzles. Journal of Economic Literature, 2008,46(1):95-144.
[26]Shen Kunrong, Zhang Ruimin. Research on the Impact of Platform Economy on the Income and Subjective Welfare of Flexible Employers. Economic and Management Research, 2024, 45 (11): 86-103
[27]Diener, E. Subjective Well-being. Sycho-logical Bulletin, 1984,95(3): 542-575.
[28]Campbell A., Converse, P.E, Rodgers W.L. The quality of American Life. New York Russell Sage Foundation, 1976.
[29]Li Shu, Yu Wenchao. The Social Network Effect of Happiness: An Empirical Study Based on Chinese Resident Consumption. Economic Research, 2020 (6): 172-188.
[30] Kraut, R., M. Patterson, V Lundmark, S. Kiesler, W. Scherlis. Internet Paradox: A Social Technology that reduces Social Involvement and Psychological Well-being. American Psychologist, 1998, 53(9): 1017-1031.
[31]Campante F. R. Durante., F. Sobbrio. Politics 2.0: The Multifaceted Effect of Broadband Internet on Political Participation. Journal of the European Economic Association,2018,16(4):1094-1136.
[32]Zhou Shuo, Zhang Wentao. Analysis of the Subjective Welfare Effect of Internet Use. Economic Research, 2021 (9): 158-174.
[33]Sun Xiaoqin, Wang Qiuwen. Empirical Analysis of the Relationship between Expanding Domestic Demand and Promoting Exports-Based on the Perspective of Domestic Consumption. International Economic and Trade Exploration, 2011 (10): 27-32.
[34]Xu Deyou. Cultivating New Export Competitive Advantages in Domestic Demand Markets: From the Perspective of Market Size. Academic Research, 2015 (5): 92-98.
[35]Krugman, P. Scale Economies, Product Differentiation, and the Pattern of Trade. American Economic Review, 1980,70(5):950-959.
[36]Guo Chunli. Causes of the Decline in Domestic Demand in China and Ideas for Establishing a Long term Mechanism to Expand Domestic Demand. Economic Theory and Management, 2021 (9): 19-31.
[37]Michael Porter. National Competitive Advantage. Translated by Li Mingxuan, Qiu Rumei, Beijing: CITIC Press, 2007.
[38]Wang Genbei. From Export Priority and Domestic Demand Expansion to Neutral Trade Policy - Analysis of Price, Sales, and Welfare Effects of Export Orientation and Domestic Demand Expansion Policies. Financial Research, 2011 (2): 38-48.
[39]Xu Deyou. Cultivating New Export Competitive Advantages in Domestic Demand Markets: From the Perspective of Market Size. Academic Research, 2015 (5): 92-98.
[40]Yi Xianzhong, Bao Qun, Gao Lingyun, Zhang Yabin. Structural Deviation between Export and Domestic Demand: Causes and Effects. Economic Research, 2017 (7): 79-93.
[41]Wang Zixian. Correctly Understanding and Handling the Relationship between Current External Demand and Domestic Demand. China Finance, 2009 (3): 29-31.
[42]Ilies, R., T. A. Judge. An Experience-sampling Measure of Job Satisfaction and its Relationships with Affectivity, Mood at Work, Job Beliefs and General Job Satisfaction. European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology,2004, 13(3): 367-389.
[43]Zhang Xun, Wan Guanghua, Wu Haitao. Narrowing the Digital Divide: Development of Digital Finance with Chinese Characteristics. Chinese Social Sciences, 2021 (8): 35-51+204-205.
[44]Theodore W. Schultz. On Investment in Human Capital. Beijing University of Economics Press, 1990.