• East Asian Economic Review
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.237-252
• /
• 2020

This paper characterizes the optimal reciprocal trade policy in the environment of Melitz (2003) with firm productivity heterogeneity. In particular, without making parametric assumptions on firm productivity distribution, this paper derives the optimal degree of reciprocal tariff reductions that maximize the world welfare. A reciprocal import subsidy raises the industry productivity, lowering aggregate price; a reciprocal import tariff helps correct the markup distortion, increasing nominal income. With all the conflicting effects of import tariffs on welfare considered, the optimal degree of reciprocity in multilateral tariff reduction is shown to be free trade.

• KDI Journal of Economic Policy
• /
• v.45 no.1
• /
• pp.33-68
• /
• 2023

The present article investigates empirically whether non-reciprocal trade preferences (NRTPs) offered by QUAD countries (Canada, the European Union, Japan, and the United States) to developing countries have helped to promote economic growth in the beneficiary countries. Two main blocks of NRTPs are considered here: Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programs and other trade preferences programs. The analysis used a set of 90 beneficiary countries of NRTPs that are concurrently recipients of development aid over the period of 2002-2018. Using the two-step system generalized method of moments, the analysis indicated that while a higher degree of utilization of each of these two blocks of NRTPs has been associated with a high economic growth rate, development aid enhances this positive effect. This highlights the need for donors to support a development strategy based on the provision of both development aid and NRTPs if they are to help beneficiary countries to promote economic growth. Finally, when the positive economic growth effect of the utilization of NRTPs is higher, the result is a greater country's share of exports (under preferential tariffs) to QUAD countries out of their total merchandise exports.

• THE INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE & LAW REVIEW
• /
• v.14
• /
• pp.323-348
• /
• 2000

Facing the current difficulties of fisheries industry nationally and internationally, economic cooperations between South and North Korea are needed urgently. Applying the process of economic integration to fisheries sector of separated nation, cooperation processes are divided as follows; (1) indirect and direct fisheries trade, (2) reciprocal use of fishing grounds, (3) joint venture in fisheries sector, (4) free movement of production factors and common fisheries policy. Here, fisheries trade falls under economic interchange stage. Reciprocal use of fishing ground and fisheries joint venture come in economic cooperation stage. Finally. free factor movement and common fisheries policy are related with economic integration stage. This paper investigates the schemes for fisheries cooperation between South and North Korea in preparation for a unified Korea, focusing on fisheries trade. The paper is composed of 5 chapters. Chapter 2 discusses structure and characteristics of North Korea trade, and trade situation between South and North Korea. Then, the present condition of North Korea fisheries industry and fisheries trade trend between South and North Korea are presented in chapter 3. Next, chapter 4 tackles the most common problems encountered in fisheries trade between South and North Korea, and the devices and schemes to raise fisheries trade between South and North Korea. Finally, chapter 5 summarizes and concludes the research results.

• KDI Journal of Economic Policy
• /
• v.45 no.3
• /
• pp.1-24
• /
• 2023

This paper empirically examines the relationship between inter-Korean trade and inter-Korean relations over the past three decades. It asks two questions: (1) Does inter-Korean trade contribute to improved inter-Korean relations and peace on the Korean Peninsula? (2) Does improved inter-Korean relations lead to increased inter-Korean trade? The study employs a time-series causal relationship analysis methodology to answer these questions. The findings show that during the progressive government's reign, inter-Korean trade was not impacted by inter-Korean relations. This is due to the implementation of a political-economic separation policy towards North Korea. Moreover, the increase in general trade and processing on commission did enhance inter-Korean relations, reflecting the "inclusive policy" aimed at achieving peace on the Korean Peninsula through inter-Korean trade. In contrast, during the conservative government's reign, inter-Korean relations had a direct impact on inter-Korean trade, with deteriorating relations leading to a significant decrease in trade. This was due to the implementation of North Korea policies that were linked to politics and the economy.

• East Asian Economic Review
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.177-215
• /
• 2018

Trump's withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and his "America First" trade agenda ignite a second round of interest in mega-free trade agreements in the Asia-Pacific. Countries are evaluating alternative trade policy actions in a post-TPP era. Using national real GDP gains estimated by a modified GTAP model to construct "preference ordering" for 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations members and their six regional dialogue partners, this paper comes up with several policy-oriented findings. First, when multilateral agreements are not possible, countries are better off with a regional trading agreement than without one. Second, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership is likely to have higher beneficial impacts than the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Third, for dual-track countries, implementing both agreements is better than each separately. Fourth, impacts of open regionalism are likely to be higher than those of a closed and reciprocal one. Going forward, this paper argues that countries should adopt a "multi-track, multi-stage" approach to trade policy.

• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.21-33
• /
• 2016

This paper examines the effect of strategic trade policy on port ownership structures (nationalization or privatization) when two firms compete with each other in reciprocal markets. Furthermore, we analyze firms profits, port charges, ports profits and social welfare when ports are privatized or nationalized under tariff regime and under free trade regime respectively. Thus, we find that (i) under tariff regime, port nationalization is a dominant strategy regardless of transport costs. (ii) the effect of high port charges brings higher port profits than the effect of high trade volume. (iii) irrespective of trade regime, when transport cost is relatively low, port nationalization increases social welfare, while two government prefer free trade agreement to tariff regime when transport cost is sufficiently high regardless of port ownership structures.

• THE INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE & LAW REVIEW
• /
• v.53
• /
• pp.265-288
• /
• 2012

Trade in service, which deals with intangible product, is distinguished from trade of goods for tangible product. The current multilateral service trade is based on GATS which includes MFN, securing the predictability as well as transparency of related service rules, specific commitment basis market access national treatment. Recently the WTO service disputes are increasing according to the frequent filing complaints against the regulation of service trade in China. The rules of GATS are not as strict as those of GATT. The commitment schedules, which were materialized between members, gets binding effect through the obligatory provisions of GATS. The GATS is inseparable relation with the Appendix of finance, of telecommunication, and of air transport, with the schedules of commitment of member states, and with the reference paper to the 4th protocol. GATS article XIV which is the general exception of GATS has a similar structure of GATT article XX. Based on the possibility of filing to the WTO, there is a need to examine whether the whole rules, regulation, and policy international trade in service of Korea perfectly macthed with the GATS. Korea with poor resources should take up the more positive attitude for the opening of international service market. According to the reciprocal aspects of concession, if Korea doesn't open a service market, the other WTO member country wouldn't allow Korea to access the their market as well as national treatment.

• Journal of The Institute of Information and Telecommunication Facilities Engineering
• /
• v.8 no.4
• /
• pp.163-169
• /
• 2009

Recently, the concern of the FTA (Free Trade Agreement) have shifted to the promotion of the professional service's trade via the bilateral and reciprocal agreement of its professional laws. In the construction industry, this policy has intended to make the standardization of the construction manager's profession in the world. The purpose of this paper is 1) first to define the general model of professions in the U.S., UK and Japan, 2) then to declare the construction manager's model of the profession in them to apply the general model of professions, and 3) finally to analyze the identity of Korean construction managers and acquirement of its construction manager's law comparing with construction manager's model of the profession in the U.S., UK and Japan.

• Journal of the Korean Home Economics Association
• /
• v.27 no.2
• /
• pp.21-30
• /
• 1989

The U.S. response to increased international competition was examined in the present study in order to have more comprehensive understanding of the U.S. textile and clothing market. The method employed to conduct the study was the analysis of the written materials, interview with professionals, and the survey of the actual situations of the U.S. textile and apparel industries. The results are summarized as follows; 1. Official U.S. textile and apparel trade policy has been quite has been quite protective since 1950's. The protective trend has been embodied in Japan Cotton Textile Export Control (reciprocal trade agreement signed by the U.S. and Japan in 1957), Short Term Arrangement Regarding International Trade in Cotton Textiles, Long Term Cotton Textile Arrangement (1962∼1973), and Multi-fiber Arrangement (1974∼). Other governmental programs designed to improve the competitiveness of the U.S. textile and apparel industries include Long-term Textile and Apparel Products Export-expansion Program, and 807 Trade to take labor cost advantage. 2. Along with the quite protective governmental trade policy, the corporate responses have been made such as new sourcing mixes, investment in technology, specialization in the textile and apparel industries, and recent strategies pursued by retailer's. The apparel industry was subject to pressure from imports that increased at moderate levels, and the U.S. textile and apparel industries have made extensive efforts to adjust to the increasing competition from abroad. The textile and apparel industries have taken steps to increase labor productivity through automation, to speed management to create and introduce new products and new methods, and have lowered indirect overhead costs. Several industrywide promotion campaigns have attempted to establish a greater public awareness of international competition and to develop a preference for apparel produced in the United States. 3. Regarding these response of the U.S. and other situations of world textile and apparel trade market, much of the sense of crisis that pervades Korean textile and apparel industries has to do with the problem of adjusting government and corporate policy. Textile and apparel industry of Korea faces on going pressure to reduce costs, improve quality, increase service, develop new markets, diversify, and differentiate itself from its foreign competitors. The strategies that have been adopted in the past have generally worked in the past, but the time has come to adopt strategies that reflect present conditions. If this is not done, then we stand to lose large segments of these industries, which once lost will not easily be regenerated.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Aviation and Aeronautics
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.32-39
• /
• 2007

Air Transportation industry becomes more competitive that the restriction on new access to market were eased and relaxed. Liberalization of international air transport will continue, via bilateral and multilateral process. Korea, Japan, and China have expanded enormously the economic trade and cultural exchange bilaterally in the Northeast Asia, they are acknowledging the importance and necessity of improved connection, it order to face effectively other regional blocks of US-Canada, NAFTA, ASEAN, CLMV. In particular, nobody denies that it is urgent to liberalize bilaterally the air transport in Northeast Asia for promoting reciprocal benefits and prosperity. Recently while open skies bilateral agreements was signed between Korea-China in June, 2006. The agreements processes are too heavily influenced by flag carriers; leading to capacity/market sharing between the bilateral carriers in most markets, against the interest of consumers and overall economic interest of the nation. For successful operation of Northeast Air Market, it is need to set up development strategy paradigm by creating cross-border sub-regional (Northeast Asian) open skies bloc as well as preparing and creating of LCCs operations.