Blockchain technology in foreign trade management: which blockchain alternative is more suitable?

Purpose This study aims to determine the order of importance of blockchain technology gains for foreign trade management. The second aim of the research is to select the most suitable blockchain type for the foreign trade process. Design/methodology/approach The data required for the research analysis were collected through comparison matrices scored by foreign trade experts. The data were analyzed with the analytical hierarchy process method, and the gains of blockchain technology for the foreign trade process were prioritized. Finally, the most suitable type of blockchain technology was selected with the PROMETHEE method. Findings As a result of the study, subject matter experts perceived that the most critical blockchain gain for the foreign trade process would be cost savings. In addition, it has been observed that the general trade process differs compared to the logistics and payment processes. Finally, open blockchain was the most suitable blockchain type for foreign trade processes. Research limitations/implications In this study, the positive gains of blockchain technology are considered. In future studies, it is recommended to consider the existing negative factors to be able to use blockchain technology in foreign trade processes. In addition, it is suggested to conduct a study by dividing foreign trade into two, import and export. Practical implications All stakeholders who want to integrate blockchain technology into their foreign trade processes, including foreign trade companies, software developers, policymakers and international institutions, can benefit from the results of this study. A blockchain technology software created for foreign trade management can be shaped according to the results of this study. Originality/value Although the gains that blockchain technology provides to foreign trade processes are frequently emphasized in the literature, which gain would be greater has not been examined. The lack of an answer to the issue of how blockchain technology should be designed for foreign trade processes has been the missing part of the relevant literature. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first experimental study in the literature that prioritizes blockchain gains and selects the appropriate blockchain type for foreign trade processes.