Pricing decisions and stability analysis in blockchain-enabled cross-border dual-channel supply chain

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. • From the perspective of research methods, most of the previous literature was based on classical game theory models to explore price decision-making in supply chains. No one had used a dynamic viewpoint to analyze the impact of blockchain introduction mechanisms on the long-term dynamic evolution of cross-border dual-channel supply chains. • In terms of research content: The majority of previous literature introduced the cost-sharing mechanisms of blockchain, with few revealing the impact of different blockchain introduction strategies on members' pricing decisions. • Regarding research conclusions, it was proposed that there are different conclusions from conventional understanding. Offline channels, facing greater competitive pressure, adopt frequent pricing adjustment measures such as discounts and promotions, which further weaken consumer trust and reduce the stability of offline channels. The correct approach is to maintain stable retail prices to consolidate brand image, increase consumer loyalty, and ensure the robust development of offline channels. An interesting finding is that overseas physical stores can achieve higher profits in offline channels than online channels by introducing blockchain technology, providing new ideas for traditional retailers to break through competitive dilemmas.