[20220314]IF11194_国际贸易和电子商务.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated March 14, 2022International Trade and E-commerceOnline transactions through e-commerce allow customers to research and purchase goods without leaving their home or office, increasing access and convenience. Using online sales, businesses are able to scale efficiently and reach customers in new markets, both domestically and abroad, especially small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs). Although some online purchases replace what may have been in-store transactions, other purchases are new sales. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to a boom in online sales as lockdowns temporarily closed stores and consumer spending shifted from services to goods. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce), in the second quarter of 2020, business-to-consumer (B2C or retail) e-commerce rose to 16% of all U.S. retail sales, up from less than 11% the second quarter of 2019. COVID-19 hastened the growth of online sales, and many analysts expect continued growth in online shopping as pandemic restrictions and concerns ameliorate. In 2021, 79% of the U.S. population engaged in e-commerce, with clothing as the top category of online purchas