The B2B e-marketplace is part of B2B e-commerce that provides a virtual marketplace by linking up both sides of business transactions, resulting in far-reaching impacts on inter-firm relationships and market competition. In its basic form, a B2B emarketplace provides electronic solutions to the major activities that make up a business transaction. However, its functions can be upgraded so as to cover such an activity as online joint design. In light of all these characteristics, this paper aims to analyze both the positive and negative economic effects of the e-marketplace. We conclude the paper by pointing out the implications for fair trade regulations.