The Impact of Non-tariff Measures on Women’s e-Commerce Businesses in Developing Countries

This paper highlights the importance of understanding the gender-specific barriers to cross-border e-commerce, including those posed by Non-tariff measures (NTMs). NTMs, while essential for public health, safety, and environmental protection, impose high trade costs that disproportionately affect women-led businesses. These costs are exacerbated by women's lower capacity to understand and comply with NTMs and the concentration of women in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and female-intensive sectors. Some NTMs, however, can enhance consumer confidence in foreign products, potentially benefiting women e-commerce entrepreneurs. To mitigate these challenges, domestic policy reforms, international cooperation, and targeted trade agreements are essential to reduce NTM-related trade costs and support the inclusive development of e-commerce for women. Closing gender gaps in education, skills, and digital access, and creating a supportive business environment are crucial for ensuring equal participation in the digital economy.