Article

Study on the Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Temporal and Spatial Pattern of Cross-Border E-Commerce Logistics Efficiency from a Temporal Distance Perspective

Jinyan Yu¹, Haochen Tian^1,2, Wenjun Wang^1,^*

¹Beijing International Studies University, Beijing 100024, China.
2 Institute of Global and Area Studies, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China.

^*Correspondence: Wenjun Wang, E-mail: 1445808926@qq.com

Received: 2026-01-08Accepted: 2026-02-10Published: 2026-03-27

J. Int. Eco. Glo. Gov., 2026, 3(1), 60-85; https://doi.org/10.58244/jiegg.263759

Abstract:

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented disruptions to international logistics. It resulted in supply shortages which affected many aspects of the economy and society and were exacerbated by the increase in e-commerce consumption. Temporal distance is an important angle for economic geographers to understand logistics efficiency. This concept aims to [...] Read More.

Keywords: COVID-19; Cross-border E-commerce logistics; Logistics efficiency; Temporal distance

Keywords: COVID-19; Cross-border E-commerce logistics; Logistics efficiency; Temporal distance

Abstract

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented disruptions to international logistics. It resulted in supply shortages which affected many aspects of the economy and society and were exacerbated by the increase in e-commerce consumption. Temporal distance is an important angle for economic geographers to understand logistics efficiency. This concept aims to show the changes in space-time compression and logistics efficiency from the result-oriented and reality-oriented perspectives. By calculating the logistics efficiency index from the temporal distance perspective, this study analyses the changes in its temporal and spatial patterns as well as the influencing factors reflected from typical samples. A quantitative analysis of the significant level of the identified factors found that both the cross-border e-commerce logistics efficiency and the pandemic experienced consistent cyclical fluctuations, but with a spiral increase; The pattern of the lowest logistics efficiency index shows large regional differences and aggregational effects, while the regional differences and aggregation effect of the highest logistics efficiency index are weaker in comparison. The progressive impact of the pandemic can be divided into three stages: (1) difficult recovery, (2) repeated shocks and (3) systematic improvement. The spatial and temporal pattern of logistics efficiency is influenced by multiple factors, and the spatial network is the most significant factor. This study provides some theoretical improvements by verifying first the effects of spatial attributes on economic activities through "relationship" coupling, and second the importance of exogenous global-scale factors. At the same time, the identification of key influencing factors can help to withstand unexpected challenges, and the analysis of regional differences can provide recommendations for space planning and land use decisions.

Keywords: COVID-19; Cross-border E-commerce logistics; Logistics efficiency; Temporal distance

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Funding

Funding

This research was funded by the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Project of the Ministry of Education (21YJC790146) - “Measurement and Influence Mechanisms of Cross-border E-commerce Logistics Resilience under Public Health Emergencies” .

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