Abstract: By matching and integrating data from micro-databases, such as the industrial firms’ data, customs data, and patent data, this paper performs an empirical test, which shows that the technical standards of the importing countries in the current year inhibit the dual margins of the firms’ exports by increasing the cost of trade. Based on this, we further validate that the technical standards of the importing countries lead to the firms’ innovation, resulting in a promotion effect from these standards on the firms’ future export growth. Obviously, this type of induction effect on technological innovation varies by industry and mainly exists in the food production and processing industry. We note that the food safety standards of the importing countries are not simply non-tariff barriers for local protectionism but also have a positive effect of promoting innovation in exporting countries that have technological disadvantages.