United States of America

The year 2006 witnessed increasing concern among both Americans and South Koreans that their alliance of more than 50 years might be in jeopardy. Differences between the two governments over…

Economic Interdependence Between Korea and the United States

The Matter of the Kaesong Industrial Complex in the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement Negotiations

The 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks shocked the world twice: first, their unimaginable method of attack and, second, the U.S. response in their wake. Doctrines, policies, and actions that emerged…

On January 9, 2025, the United States and South Korea signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on principles of nuclear export and cooperation that could unlock new dimensions of the partnership and tens of billions of dollars in profit for construction and nuclear industries in both countries. In addition to its clear economic implications, the deal allows…

The U.S.-South Korea relationship has long been defined by a shared commitment to upholding security. But in recent years, it has evolved into something even more powerful: a comprehensive partnership rooted in economic strength, technological innovation, and cultural exchange. During the Joe Biden administration, the U.S. Department of Commerce saw firsthand the remarkable expansion of…

The beginning of President Donald Trump’s second term presages a major reordering of U.S.-South Korea economic relations. The imposition of reciprocal tariffs on Korea and the addition of import duties on steel and automobiles signify a sharp turn away from the playbook previously dictated by the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA). At the same…

The first quarter of 2025 marked the transition into what will likely be seen as a new global economic reordering. President Donald Trump began his second term in the White House on January 20, and the United States and South Korea continued their rapid tempo of investment partnerships and collaborative agreements. Meanwhile, policy changes at…

Please join KEI and KIEP for a discussion about the first 10 years of KORUS and the future of the U.S.-Korea economic relationship.