Pricing decisions and stability analysis in blockchain-enabled cross-border dual-channel supply chain
Fengjie Xie, Xiaoyang Shen, Siyi Wang · Chaos Solitons & Fractals · 2025
This study develops a discrete dynamic model of a cross-border dual-channel supply chain system to analyze stability mechanisms under three blockchain adoption modes led by domestic manufacturers, overseas physical stores, or cross-border e-commerce platforms. By integrating static game theory, three key pricing factors are identified, while nonlinear dynamics and numerical simulations reveal stability patterns. Results show that across all modes, a rising blockchain preference, higher blockchain costs, or intensified channel competition require moderate price adjustments by stakeholders to enhance stability. Nonlinear dynamics highlight three core insights: (1) Excessive price adjustment speeds destabilize systems, reduce profits, and trigger chaos; (2) different blockchain adoption entities reshape profit distribution patterns. (3) Price stability evolves heterogeneously with variations in adjustment speeds, competition intensity, blockchain costs, and tax rates. In manufacturer-led adoption, balanced wholesale price coordination is critical for stability, while overseas stores and platforms must mitigate risks from unilateral retail price fluctuations. When overseas stores or platforms adopt blockchain, the implementing channel gains stability, but competitors face destabilization. Notably, in platform adoption mode, frequent offline price discounts under competition erode trust and stability, whereas price consistency strengthens brand loyalty and offline resilience. Crucially, blockchain adoption by overseas physical stores enables offline profits to surpass online channels, offering traditional retailers a breakthrough strategy. These findings provide actionable guidance for optimizing blockchain integration in global supply chains. The study further finds that external environmental noise fluctuates within the threshold with stabilizing effect, which can delay the bifurcation critical point and compress the chaotic region, verifying the Noise-Enhanced Stability (NES) mechanism. However, the noise exceeding the threshold will trigger destabilization, which provides a theoretical paradigm and a practical path for the selection of cross-border supply chain dynamic pricing and blockchain mode.