Abstract
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector face persistent barriers to internationalization, including resource constraints and the operational complexity of global trade. This study investigates the premise of "Smart Contracts, Smarter Exports" to understand how AI-based intelligent contracts influence export-oriented international marketing performance when complemented by a strong digital infrastructure. Building on the resource-based view and dynamic capabilities perspectives, the research study treats these technologies not only as IT tools but also as strategic resources that SMEs deploy to create competitive advantage. Data from a sample of 250 Chinese manufacturing SMEs were examined using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). And measures of common-method bias and robustness checks were used to confirm the validity of the data. The results validate the claim that AI-driven smart contracts enhance export process automation and manufacturing operational efficiency, improvements that reinforce international marketing outcomes. Crucially, digital infrastructure emerges as a key moderating factor, reinforcing the positive impacts of these AI-based innovations and supporting scalable, integrated global operations. This study contributes to current theory by offering new insights into the dynamic interrelationships between digital assets and ecosystems, suggesting that, for SMEs to achieve "smarter" exports, investment in the digital backbone is as critical as adopting the technology itself.