21世纪经济报道·2025-06-15 12:52Core Viewpoint - The rapid growth of cross-border e-commerce in China is accompanied by significant risks in the domestic procurement process, which are becoming critical constraints for the development of cross-border e-commerce companies [1]. Group 1: Industry Overview - In 2024, China's cross-border e-commerce import and export volume reached 2.63 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 10.8% [1]. - Shenzhen, as the "first foreign trade city," plays a crucial role in the cross-border e-commerce sector, with over 120,000 trade enterprises, accounting for about half of the national total [1]. - Shenzhen's total import and export volume reached 372 billion yuan in 2024, representing 14% of the national total [1]. Group 2: Domestic Procurement Challenges - Traditional cash transaction models have revealed significant drawbacks, especially during peak sales seasons like Christmas and Black Friday, where suppliers often demand cash for popular products, leading to increased cash flow pressure for companies [2][3]. - Delays in overseas sales collections can create cash shortfalls when domestic payables are due, exacerbating financial strain [3]. - New supplier performance risks and insufficient collateral for bank loans further complicate the situation, causing many cross-border e-commerce companies to hesitate in accepting orders [3]. Group 3: Financial Solutions and Innovations - In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Commerce and nine other departments issued guidelines in June 2024 to enhance financing channels for cross-border e-commerce companies [2]. - The introduction of the "Cross-Border E-Commerce Domestic Procurement Accounts Payable Guarantee Insurance" in Shenzhen aims to provide credit support for domestic procurement by cross-border e-commerce firms [4]. - The first nationwide "Cross-Border E-Commerce Guarantee Insurance" was launched in April 2024, with six insurance companies forming a consortium to enhance underwriting capacity and service levels through information sharing [4]. Group 4: Impact and Future Considerations - The "Cross-Border E-Commerce Guarantee Insurance" has shown positive effects on business operations, such as extending payment terms from cash transactions to 120 days for certain companies, alleviating seasonal cash flow pressures [5]. - Some companies have reported a 50% increase in credit limits from suppliers after purchasing the insurance, indicating its potential as a supply chain management tool [5]. - The insurance product has specific eligibility criteria, requiring cross-border sellers to be compliant and engaged in legitimate trade [6]. - The long-term effectiveness of this insurance solution in addressing procurement risks and financial pressures remains to be seen, with the balance between risk control by insurance institutions and the needs of businesses being crucial for its sustainable development [6].