Economy & Trade - Korea Economic Institute of America

Redefining U.S.-Japan Trade Relations Under Trump

The Trump administration has had no qualms about going against conventional U.S. policy norms and long-established rules of engagement. Thinking outside of the box has...

Shihoko Goto

July 29, 2019

Publication

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy and Its Implications for U.S.-ASEAN Economic Governance Architecture

During his visit to Asia in November 2017, President Donald Trump announced his vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” as the U.S. approach to...

Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit

July 29, 2019

Publication

The North Korean Economy and U.S. Policy: Stability Under “Maximum Pressure”

North Korea has been under international sanctions for several years. It is only under U.S. President Donald Trump’s policy of “maximum pressure,” however, that China,...

Benjamin Katzeff Silberstein

July 29, 2019

Publication

External Pressure Drives Korea’s Labor Reforms

Best drivers of reform in Korea’s labor market may be its trade partners. The European Union places worker concerns under the spotlight.

Yong Kwon

July 10, 2019

Analysis

Successive Strikes Bring Attention to Public Sector Jobs

Boosting public sector employment was one of President Moon’s signature economic policies, but the government still relies heavily on irregular workers.

Yong Kwon

July 9, 2019

Analysis

Is Tight Money and Sanctions Driving North Korea into Depression?

We don’t normally pay much attention to North Korea’s monetary or fiscal policies, but they could be the key to restarting negotiations.

William Brown

July 5, 2019

Analysis

Finding an Advocate: The Role of the Private Sector in Korea-Japan Relations

Tensions between South Korea and Japan are frustratingly persistent. Despite the shared interests of both countries, such as economic development in Southeast Asia, and keeping...

Jiwon Nam

June 25, 2019

Publication

South Korean Government Reiterates Support for SMEs

New initiatives are focused on fostering growth for smaller businesses, but questions remain on whether workers would be protected in this new environment.

Yong Kwon

June 18, 2019

Analysis

Will the South Korean Government’s Bet on Linux Pay Off?

Last month, the South Korean Ministry of Interior and Safety announced plans to switch government workstations from utilizing Windows to Linux.

Juni Kim

June 17, 2019

Analysis

Chalk One Up for Korea

New York magazine reported on May 20, 2019, that mathematicians would now be able to purchase newly-produced, Korean Hagoromo chalk from Amazon.

Mark Tokola

June 14, 2019

Analysis

Basic Income Idea Gains a Foothold in Korea

Societal challenges around youth unemployment and cost of living bolster public interest around a basic income.

Yong Kwon

June 12, 2019

Analysis

From Failed Economic Interfaces to Political Levers: Assessing China-South Korea Competition and Cooperation Scenarios on North Korean Special Economic Zones

While North Korea has developed Special Economic Zones for several decades now, these zones have attracted little attention from foreign investors, due to a mix...

Théo Clément

June 11, 2019

Publication

Collective Bargaining at a Crossroad

The government's ratification of international labor standards will not automatically address demands from labor unions or ameliorate opposition from employers.

Yong Kwon

May 29, 2019

Analysis

Two South Korean Companies To Meet in U.S. Court

Both SK and LG support manufacturing jobs in the United States. As such, the IP theft case may attract the attention of the American public.

Yong Kwon

May 15, 2019

Analysis

Survival Shows Redefine the K-Pop Industry

Popular TV program Produce 101 has generated greater global interest in K-pop, but the show could also hold the industry back.

Steven Lim

April 3, 2019

Analysis