Global Cross-border Logistics Risk Research: A Systematic Review and Future Research Agenda

Abstract

With the continuous deepening of global economic integration and the rapid growth of cross-border trade volume, international cross-border logistics systems have become increasingly complex and vulnerable to external uncertain shocks. Multiple risk factors including regional geopolitical fluctuations, international freight market instability, trade policy adjustments and global public health emergencies have significantly increased the operational risks of cross-border logistics activities. Clarifying the developmental evolution, research hotspots and existing deficiencies of global cross-border logistics risk research is crucial for optimizing international logistics layout and enhancing global supply chain stability. Based on the standard PRISMA systematic review framework, this study collects 218 high-quality academic papers focusing on global cross-border logistics risks from Web of Science and Scopus databases covering the period from 2015 to 2025. Through bibliometric statistical analysis and in-depth thematic content sorting, this paper systematically analyzes the annual publication trends, keyword hotspot distribution and core research dimensions in this field. Statistical results show that the overall publication volume of cross-border logistics risk research has increased by 187% in the past decade. The research focus has gradually shifted from traditional single economic cost risk assessment to multi-dimensional comprehensive research covering geopolitical shock, digital risk prevention and supply chain resilience enhancement. This paper systematically summarizes four core research categories of cross-border logistics risks, analyzes existing research limitations such as insufficient discussion on emerging market logistics risks and lack of dynamic early warning mechanism research, and puts forward targeted future research directions. The research outcomes can provide solid theoretical support for global logistics risk management and operational decision-making of multinational trading enterprises.