International Trade in Changing Times: A Conversation with Ambassador Yoo Myung-hee

Since multilateral negotiations at Doha stalled in 2001, global trade liberalization has slowed. The rise of nativism in more recent years also placed pressure on governments to raise barriers to trade. This was most visible in 2019 when the World Trade Organization (WTO) Appellate Body ceased functioning after President Donald Trump blocked the appointment of new members. The pandemic added to this growing headwind, weakening supply chains and interrupting critical engagements between ministers of WTO governments.

How has the long-time commercial partnership between South Korea and the United States fared in this environment? What is the legacy of the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement? And how might the two countries address emerging challenges and navigate the growing number of regional trade agreements?

Please join the Korea Economic Institute for a discussion with South Korea’s ambassador-at-large for economic cooperation Yoo Myung-hee and Asia Society Policy Institute Vice President Wendy Cutler on emerging trade issues and the U.S.-Korea economic relationship.