As digitalization reshapes global commerce, ECFs face the critical challenge of striking the right balance between virtual and physical presence across diverse host countries (Yang et al. 2025). These decisions are determined by ECFs’ ability to leverage their unique online resources or capabilities abroad and are crucial for achieving competitive advantages in foreign markets. However, ECFs must navigate specific infrastructural and regulatory country environments that significantly affect their business model abroad (e.g., Meyer et al. 2023).