International Electronic Commerce (GAO)

Mar 01 2002

The rapid growth in the use of Internet-based computer technologies over the past several years has significant implications for the United States. In particular, the ability to conduct business via the Internet has brought about important changes not only in the way companies do business with each other but also in the way they interact with consumers. The Internet allows businesses and consumers from different countries to interact as easily as if they were physically close to each other. This borderless aspect of international electronic commerce creates a wider marketplace that facilitates new transactions and business relationships. However, the potential for widespread adoption of international electronic commerce by businesses and consumers raises a number of questions, from the technical to the policy-related. These fall into several areas, including the following: (1) What is international electronic commerce? (2) What data on international electronic commerce (IEC) does the U.S. government collect? (3) What is being done to remove obstacles and facilitate consumer and business use of international electronic commerce? (4) What are some of the efforts being made to adapt the legal framework for international electronic commerce transactions? and (5) How do international trade agreements and negotiations address barriers to international electronic commerce? This report provides information on these emerging electronic commerce issues.

Related Files:

  • International Electronic Commerce (GAO)

    The rapid growth in the use of Internet-based computer technologies over the past several years has significant implications for the United States. In particular, the ability to conduct business via the Internet has brought about important changes not only in the way companies do business with each other but also in the way they interact with consumers. The Internet allows businesses and consumers from different countries to interact as easily as if they were physically close to each other. This borderless aspect of international electronic commerce creates a wider marketplace that facilitates new transactions and business relationships. However, the potential for widespread adoption of international electronic commerce by businesses and consumers raises a number of questions, from the technical to the policy-related. These fall into several areas, including the following: (1) What is international electronic commerce? (2) What data on international electronic commerce (IEC) does the U.S. government collect? (3) What is being done to remove obstacles and facilitate consumer and business use of international electronic commerce? (4) What are some of the efforts being made to adapt the legal framework for international electronic commerce transactions? and (5) How do international trade agreements and negotiations address barriers to international electronic commerce? This report provides information on these emerging electronic commerce issues.IntlECommerce.pdf (1.7 MBs)


  • 03/01/02 -
    Current record