First, the theoretical basis is different. Based on the theory of trade protectionism, the inward-looking economy believes that domestic national industries must be protected to promote the development of domestic industries. These countries usually take measures to overvalue their currencies and set up tariff and non-tariff barriers to prevent foreign goods from entering their markets. Based on the theory of comparative advantage, export-oriented economy holds that economic development depends on the optimal allocation of resources in the international scope and the advantages of developing domestic economy. At the same time, it is also acknowledged that the outward development of economy is the inevitable trend of productivity development.

Second, the mode of economic development is different. Based on the domestic economic environment, the introverted economy strives to develop its own economy through the allocation and circulation of domestic resources and other production factors. Export-oriented economy is to make full use of foreign resources and production factors through the international market, give full play to its own resource advantages, and adopt an export-oriented development mode to make its own economy seek development in international economic competition.

Third, trade functions are different. Introverted economy is basically not restricted by the law of international value because it separates the domestic market from the international market. Foreign trade is limited to the introduction of some domestic advanced equipment and raw materials, and export is only for the purpose of exchanging foreign exchange, which has the nature of exchanging needed goods and adjusting surplus and deficiency. Export-oriented economy is guided by expanding exports and drives the development of the whole national economy. So foreign trade plays a leading role. Through foreign trade, our competitive goods will enter the international market, and the spread of goods will be realized in the international market, thus promoting the economic development of our country.

Fourth, the industrial structure transformation mechanism is different. In the introverted economic environment, the upgrading of products depends entirely on the guidance of the domestic market, so its transformation ability is extremely low. Export-oriented economy must adjust its industrial structure according to the changes in international market demand. In order to occupy the international market, it must participate in the circular mechanism of international industrial transformation, which promotes the continuous adjustment of domestic industrial structure to adapt to the frequent changes and development of commodity structure in the international market.

Fifth, government functions and corporate codes of conduct are different. Under the inward-looking economic model, the determination of government institutions and functions is mainly based on the specific domestic political system, economic system and economic development level. The organization and function of export-oriented economic model must conform to international practice, be institutionalized, standardized and legalized, meet the needs of international division of labor and international competition, and operate efficiently. The enterprise behavior of export-oriented economy must be managed in accordance with international practices and international common standards, guided by the international market, and actively play a leading role in international division of labor and international competition.