• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.107-120
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• 2020

This study analyzed the competitiveness of major export industries following the FTA between Korea and five Central American countries. Findings revealed that Korea mainly exports industrial products such as ships, automobiles and parts, steel, and electronic devices, and it imports raw materials and agricultural products such as coffee and copper, indicating a complementary trade structure. Similarly, the trade specialization index analysis revealed that Korea specialized in exporting industrial products such as ships, automobiles, steel, and machinery, and in importing primary products such as copper and coffee. Products such as ships, steel, and machinery, which are major export items to Central America, are expected to further strengthen their competitiveness due to tariff cuts. In addition, it is expected that the demand for medicines and medical supplies could increase in future due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study attempted to present implications for establishing export strategies by analyzing the competitiveness of Korea's major export industries in the Central American market, in accordance with the Korean-Central American FTA. These findings could be used as basic data for future entry into South America as a bridgehead in the Central American market.