Purpose - The global trend of protectionism has expanded since the onset of US President Donald Trump's administration in 2017. This global phenomenon has led to a significant reduction in world trade volume and a negative impact on economic development in some countries where the external sector accounts for a large proportion of GDP. Although Korea is a country vulnerable to this deteriorating trade environment, few studies have examined the relationship between protectionism and its business cycles based on Korean data. Thus, this paper investigates the impact of protectionism on Korea's business cycle. Design/methodology - To identify future implications, we conduct a structural vector autoregression (VAR) analysis using monthly Korean data from 1994 to 2015. Macroeconomic variables in the model include the industrial production index, inflation rates, exports (or net exports), interest rates, and exchange rates. For the identification of the shock reflecting the expansion of protectionism, we use an antidumping investigation (ADI) data. Since ADIs are followed generally by the imposition of antidumping tariffs, they have no contemporaneous impact on tariffs and are also contemporaneously exogenous to other endogenous variables in the VAR model. We examine two kinds of ADI shocks i) shocks on Korean exports imposed by Korea's trading partners (ADI-imposed shocks) and ii) shocks on imports imposed by the Korean government (ADI-imposing shocks). Findings - We find that Korea's exports decline sharply due to ADI-imposed shocks; the lowest point at the third month after the initial shock; and do not recover until 24 months later. Simultaneously, the inflation rate decreases. Therefore, the ADI-imposed shock can be regarded as a negative shock on the demand curve where both production and price decrease. In contrast, the ADI-imposing shock generates a different response. The net exports decline, but the inflation rate increases. These can be seen as standard responses with respect to the negative shock on the supply curve. Originality/value - We shed light on the relationship between protectionism and Korea's economic fluctuations, which is rarely addressed in previous studies. We also consider the effects of both protective policy measures on imports to Korea imposed by the Korean government and on policy measures imposed by Korea's trading partner countries on its exports.

Purpose - This paper investigates the causal relationship between logistics infrastructure development and the economic growth of Korea. Considering the industrial and economic structure of Korea, it is likely that logistics infrastructure is positively associated with the economic growth of the country. Design/methodology - The causal relationship between logistics infrastructure and economic development is estimated using Vector Autoregressive (VAR) and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) considering long-run equilibrium between the two factors. To this end, a dataset consisting of 7 logistics infrastructure proxies and 5 economic growth indicators covering the period of 1990-2017 is used. Findings - It was found that causality, in general, runs from logistics infrastructure development to economic growth. Specifically, the results indicate that maritime transport is positively associated with the economic growth of Korea in terms of GDP and international trade. In addition, other modes of transport also have a positive impact on either the GDP or international trade of Korea. Originality/value - While existing studies in this area are based on either regional observations or a specific mode of transport, this study presents empirical evidence on causality between logistics infrastructure and the economic growth of Korea using a more comprehensive dataset. In addition, the findings in this paper can provide valuable implications for transport infrastructure development policies.

Purpose - This paper aims to analyze the impact of the terms of trade, export price, and import price on the Korean economy (that is, real GDP, CPI, money market rate, and real effective exchange rate), and vice versa in the simple vector autoregression. Design/methodology - We impose two assumptions, i.e., diagonality and bloc exogeneity, to correctly identify the impact of a factor to the others in the structural equation. With two contemporaneous assumptions in the structural VAR, this paper investigates the impacts of the terms of trade on the Korean economy and vice versa. Findings - Impulse responses to the shocks in the terms of trade and Korean economy show that 1) an impact of the terms of trade on the economy is different in export prices and in import prices. A higher export price is beneficial to the economy while a higher import price hurts the economy, and 2) an increase in real effective exchange rate and in interest rate constrains domestic production and lowers consumer prices. Originality/value - Unlike the conventional perception that a depreciation of a currency would promote exports and domestic production at the price of inflation, our result shows the opposite, and 3) real GDP and consumer prices are positively correlated. That is, an increase in real GDP does not only cause inflation, but an increase in consumer prices also promote domestic production. Yet, the only difference is that export prices and import prices end up higher with an increase in real GDP, but lower with inflation.

Purpose - This paper empirically analyzed the determinants of the online food market in Korea and Vietnam as representatives of the developed market and emerging market. The online food market can be regarded as having a high potential value. This study aims to suggest the appropriate implications for each developed market and emerging market by empirically comparing and analyzing customers' online food purchase determinants in the growth change of the online food market. Design/methodology - The empirical model of this study was established with the motif of the TAM+Trust model suggested by Nguyen et al.'s (2019) existing theoretical framework. Davis's (1989) TAM model was adopted to establish a framework related to the determinants that consumers would accept, for the online food purchasing method. Then, the trust variable is added to the framework which is regarded as an important effector especially in food related researches. In this study's comparative analysis, the multi-group structural equation modeling analysis was implemented. Findings - The main finding of this study can be summarized as that the moderating effect of nationality is significant. This means that there is an obvious difference between the developed online food market and the emerging online food market. In addition, as the growth of the online market changes, the significant determinants of consumers' attitudes and purchase intentions are somewhat different. However, the usefulness of online food purchasing methods and the trust of websites were analyzed as significant factors. Originality/value - Although the potential of the online food market is abundant, studies on the determinants of customer's attitude and purchase intention are insufficient. Moreover, comparative studies between countries have not been conducted in existing studies. Therefore, the research value of this paper can be explained in that it has suggested implications for the continued growth of the online food market.

Purpose - This paper aims to examine the determinants of SWFs' investment in Asian countries and to identify consistent investment patterns of SWFs in specific target firms from Asia, particularly China and South Korea. Design/methodology - This study extends the Tobin's Q model to examine the relationship between SWF investments in target firms and their returns with other firm-level control variables. We collect consistent data on SWF investments and the matched firm-level data on target firms, which of observation is 1,512 firms (333 in South Korea and 1,179 in China) targeted by 20 SWF sources during 1997-2017. The panel random effect model is used to estimate the extended Tobin's Q model. The robustness of the estimations is tested by the simultaneous equation models and the panel GEE model. Findings - The evidence shows that sovereign wealth funds are more inclined to invest in the financial sector with a monopoly position and in large firms with higher growth opportunity and superior cash asset ratios in China. In contrast to their investments in China, sovereign wealth funds in South Korea prefer to invest in strategic sectors, such as energy and information technology, and in large firms with high performance and low leverage. Sovereign wealth funds' investments tend to significantly improve the target firm's performance measured by sales growth and returns in both Korea and China. Originality/value - The existing literature focuses on examining the determination of SWFs investment in the developed countries, such as Europe and the United States. Our paper contributes to the literature in three ways; first, we analyzes case studies of SWF investments in Asian markets, which are less developed and riskier. Second, we examine whether the determination of SWF investment in Asian target firms depends on the different time periods, on types of sources of SWFs, and on acquiring countries. Third, our research uses vast sample data on target firms in longer time periods (1997-2017) than other previous studies on the SWFs for Asian markets.

Purpose - The U.S. Trade Preference Expansion Act (TPEA) of 2015 enables the US Department of Commerce (DOC) to inflate dumping margin when the particular market situation (PMS) exists in the exporter's home market. DOC applied PMS provisions to the steel products from Korea. This paper analyzes whether DOC's calculation by using the regression analysis is consistent with WTO rules. Design/methodology - This paper analyzes the PMS application in law and regression analysis that extends the data period from 10 years to 18 years using the same economic model with DOC, and changes the country group according to the quantities of steelmaking capacity. Findings - Results show that DOC's argument conflating the sales-based with cost-based PMS designed to inflate dumping margins might not be consistent with WTO Antidumping Agreement Article 2.2 and 2.2.1.1 in which costs shall normally be calculated on the basis of records kept by the exporter, providing generally accepted accounting principles and reasonably reflection of the costs and PMS that exists in the Korean steel product markets. Even if it will be consistent, DOC's calculated margin by the regression analysis using a 10-year data is a big gap (5 times) compared with an 18-year data projection and different countries' data through the same methodology, which is a huge gap of regression coefficient. It means that dumping margin would be very wide range from 7.8% to 38.54% and unstable to calculate. Inflating dumping margin by DOC using regression analysis would not only be inconsistent with WTO rules, but also projection result is unreliable. Originality/value - Literature papers have mainly analyzed WTO law itself. This paper however, would be the first attempt to analyze the DOC's new way of dumping margin calculation in both manners of law and an empirical methodology perspective at the same time.

Purpose - This study aims to analyze the international marketing strategies of domestic medical institutions in the international medical market, and to determine whether such strategies increase international market share. With this approach, this study examines the impact of international marketing and social capital on international management performance through global competency and national image. It is hoped that this study can provide some insight on international marketing strategies. Design/methodology - In order to verify the research hypotheses, this study investigates medical institutions based in Incheon, Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, which provides medical services for foreigners. The target population is medical staff and interpreters in charge of administrative work, and a total of 194 copies were collected for 30 days. Of the collected questionnaires, a total of 171 copies were chosen for final analysis, excluding questionnaires with lack of information. Structural equations were used for analyzing the data by employing the R program. Findings - Our analysis suggests that international marketing and global competency performance have an effect on management performance. However, social capital appears to have no effect on global competency and management performance. Originality/value - Given the lack of research on international medical institutions, this study can be useful in the sense that it can help companies improve international marketing performance. Further, global competency was empirically proved to have a strong mediating effect that enhances total effect, while playing a mediating role between international marketing activities and management performance. This study is of great academic value in that it has comprehensively reviewed and systematized existing studies, and conducted empirical studies in the absence of domestic studies.

Purpose - This study examines the effects of expatriate transfer on foreign affiliate's labor productivity. Design/methodology - Using Korean-owned foreign affiliate-level data, we estimate the effect of expatriate transfer on foreign affiliate's labor productivity using the system generalized method of moments model. We also consider foreign affiliate- and host country-specific contingencies and test how they are associated with expatriates in enhancing foreign affiliate's labor productivity. Findings - We consider foreign production intensity and cultural distance between the home (i.e., South Korea) and host countries as key contingencies that influence the effect of expatriates on foreign affiliate's labor productivity. We find that expatriates are effective in enhancing the labor productivity of less production-intensive foreign affiliates. This effect is strengthened as expatriates are deployed to countries that share cultural similarities with the home country. Originality/value - Considering that previous studies provide mixed results on the effect of expatriates, our findings suggest that foreign affiliate-specific operational orientation and cultural distance should be considered jointly to understand the true effect of expatriate staffing on foreign affiliate performance.

Purpose - This paper has an objective to suggest reasonable criteria in choosing Incoterms 2020 rules for efficient and effective logistics management in that the Incoterms rules affect not only the rights and obligations of the parties to the sales contract but also the control and management of logistics system and transaction costs in the transaction. Design/methodology - An analysis of the various factors is needed to assess the positive or negative impact on global value chain in choosing Incoterms rules from a total logistics view. This study analyzes the impact of which the content of individual incoterms rules can have on the operation of international logistics systems under the global value chain from a strategic perspective to suggest reasonable criteria for selection of Incoterms rules depending on the transaction situation. Findings - Results of this study shows that consideration of various aspects which includes the characteristics of the products, logistics capabilities, infrastructure, transaction volume, operational cost, customs regulations, tax and accounting should be reflected in choosing the appropriate Incoterms rules. Therefore, in order to minimize the total cost and improve logistics performance, it may be helpful to develop a decision support model which allows users to select appropriate Incoterms rules based on various influencing factors. Originality/value - This Study is different from previous research which has mainly focused on the rights and obligations of the parties to the transaction regarding the transfer of risks and costs under the Incoterms. In addition, this study has significance in that it provides implications for export and import companies that can be able to use Incoterms as a strategic tool to efficiently manage the global value chain and improve supply chain performance.

Purpose - This paper analyzes the effect of the agricultural export market for Korea's new southern countries in consideration of logistics efficiency. In order to expand Korean agricultural exports, the logistics performance index, national income, per capita income, consumer price index, distance and FTA are included. Through empirical analysis, the impact of logistics efficiency on Korean agricultural exports is derived and measures are proposed to expand exports in the future. Design/methodology - The analytical model of this study takes into account the import demand factors of the new southern countries for Korean agricultural exports. A research model was established based on prior research based on the gravity model, which is widely used in international trade effect analysis. In particular, logistics efficiency measures the effect on Korean agricultural exports using the logistics performance index and examines the effect by deriving factors for export expansion. Findings - The main findings of this study can be summarized as follows: The higher the logistics efficiency of the new southern countries in exporting Korean agricultural products, the more directly they have an effect on expanding exports. In addition, it was analyzed that the expansion of Korean agricultural exports has a positive effect on the other countries' national income, per capita income, consumer price index, population, and FTA. Based on these results, the importance of efficient logistics management in agricultural exports has been emphasized. Originality/value - There are not many studies on the export of agricultural products by logistics efficiency. However, prior studies that have adapted to manufacturing and other areas suggest that logistics efficiency has a direct effect on exports. This study suggests that Korean agricultural products are directly effective in exporting to new southern countries in terms of logistics efficiency. This can be an important time point in recognizing that logistics capabilities are important to ensure new books and the safety of agricultural products.

Purpose - This study empirically investigates the relationship between expatriate CEOs of multinational corporation (MNC) foreign subsidiaries and local philanthropy. Since corporate social responsibility (CSR) enables MNCs to achieve local legitimacy, this research argues that local philanthropy is a valuable strategic means for expatriate CEOs of foreign subsidiaries to secure local legitimacy. Design/methodology - To investigate our argument, we use a sample of 5,459 observations from 576 foreign subsidiaries of MNCs in Korea between 2002 and 2016. We conduct a random-effects panel Tobit regression with subsidiary CEO having foreign nationality as the independent variable and local philanthropy as the dependent variable. Findings - Our main findings are that expatriate CEOs of foreign subsidiaries are more actively engaged in local philanthropy. In addition, the positive relationship between expatriate CEOs and local philanthropy is weaker as their tenure increases. Originality/value - How expatriate CEOs overcome their weak local legitimacy as foreigners in a host country has remained unclear because existing studies mainly focused on the control and coordination aspects of staffing expatriates in CEO positions of foreign subsidiaries. This study broadens the literature on subsidiary CEO staffing and CSR activities of MNCs by identifying complementary relationships between expatriate CEOs and corporate philanthropy in the host country.

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to review and analyzes the contract of carriage and delivery/transport document in light of the major changes made to the Incoterms^® 2020 rules forced into effect on January 1st, 2020. Design/methodology - This study analyzed responsibility for the loading and unloading of goods under the contract of carriage in Incoterms 2020^® rules forced into effect by the ICC from January 1, 2020, and what document must be presented as evidence of delivery by the seller. Findings - A review revealed that in Rule C, the costs of unloading at the place of destination are determined by the terms of the contract of carriage, and in the DAP and DDP rules, if the seller bears the unloading costs, such unloading costs cannot be recovered from the buyer. To settle this issue, the seller needs to make a contract of carriage by sea with the carrier on FI terms. Furthermore, in the case of containerized goods that the FCA should be used, FOB was misused because the seller could not present an on-board bill of lading in the L/C transaction. However, it was confirmed that in FCA, the parties can use an optional mechanism to issue an on-board bill of lading. Originality/value - Incoterms 2020^® rules are still widely used in international trade by parties to contract sales around the world, just like Incoterms 2010^® rules. This study attempts to reduce or eliminate disputes that may arise from interpretative misunderstandings between the parties in the contract of sales concluded by the seller and the buyer.