An overview on the common barriers to cross-border trade. An explanation of survey results.
Last Published: 5/22/2017
The good news is that a substantial number of buyers say they plan to increase cross-border purchases, according to a number of recent consumer surveys. This response suggests that perceived barriers to making such purchases are falling or that peer encouragement is influencing purchasing decisions. Certainly, as barriers are reduced or removed, purchases will likely increase. Indeed, some of the barriers mentioned by respondents to the surveys have already been reduced or eliminated, or are in the process of being removed.

Concerns about security of payment
U.S.: 32 percent
Globally: 30 percent
 
Easier to return products bought in stores
U.S.: 39 percent
Globally: 29 percent
 
Products lost or damaged during shipment
U.S.: 6 percent
Globally: 16 percent
 
Shipping costs are too high
U.S.: 36 percent
Globally: 26 percent
 
Need to see and touch the  products
U.S.: 38 percent
Globally: 41 percent
 
Delivery takes too long
U.S.: 6 percent
Globally: 13 percent
 
Don’t have enough trust in online retailers
U.S.: 12 percent
Globally: 19 percent
 
Don’t trust the quality of products online
U.S.: 13 percent
Globally: 16 percent
 
The products are not available online
U.S.: 4 percent
Globally:  4 percent
 
Other reasons
U.S.: 9 percent
Globally:  6 percent

 
Source: Alphawise, Morgan Stanley