Impacts of digital economic transformation and green growth on trade flows of mineral resources

This study investigates the influence of digitalization and economic growth on mineral resource trade within a dataset comprising 15 OECD countries spanning the period from 2000 to 2022. The findings reveal that a 1% increase in ICT development correlates with a short-term rise of nearly 0.18% and a long-term increase of 0.23% in the volume of mineral resource trade. This outcome underscores the diverse impact of digitalization, contributing to improved communication, efficiency, and global connectivity. Interestingly, the pursuit of green growth initially leads to a reduction in mineral resource trade volume, decreasing by 0.08% in the short term and 0.19% in the long term, indicative of a shift toward sustainability. A 1% increase in GDP significantly stimulates mineral resource trade, resulting in a 0.21% increase in the short term and a 0.45% increase in the long term, while a stronger official exchange rate has a positive effect on trade. Conversely, heightened country risk exerts a diminishing influence on trade. In order to advance sustainable mineral resource trade, OECD nations are encouraged to prioritize green growth initiatives, invest in sustainable power generation, implement measures for economic stability, manage exchange rates effectively, and promote responsible corporate practices.