Economy & Trade - Korea Economic Institute of America

UN Sanctions Continue to Devastate North Korean Trade

Recent data on China-DPRK trade hints at intensifying pains for the North Korean economy as Pyongyang seeks sanctions relief at Summit with President Trump.

William Brown

February 8, 2019

Analysis

The Hidden Economic Hazard: Rent

The minimum wage increase has been much maligned, but a bigger threat to business dynamism in Korea may be the cost of renting retail space

Haram Chung

February 6, 2019

Analysis

Should Mount Kumgang Re-open Before the Kaesong Industrial Complex?

Mount Kumgang and the Kaesong Industrial Complex will likely be considered for sanctions relief in upcoming negotiations. A range of factors will need to be...

Troy Stangarone

January 16, 2019

Analysis

Antitrust Activism for a More Inclusive Economy

Building a fairer economy will require shifting the balance of power between small businesses and chaebols - and the Moon administration can do more.

Sang Kim

January 16, 2019

Analysis

Samsung Diversifies into Automotive Chips

Samsung has taken a step toward supplying processing chips for next-generation vehicles, which also lessens U.S.-China trade war risks for the company

Troy Stangarone

January 9, 2019

Analysis

North Korea’s Pegged Won Wiggles, But Doesn’t Break, Yet

North Korea’s won slipped against the dollar in recent weeks, bringing into question whether Pyongyang is running out of hard currency amid sanctions.

William Brown

January 9, 2019

Analysis

Renewable Energy in Trade Wars: Solar Power in South Korea’s Energy Mix and the Impact of Protectionism

This paper examines the impacts of global competition in solar panel production and the conflict of domestic interests among solar-related industries in the U.S. on...

June Park

January 2, 2019

Publication

Kim Jong Un’s 2019 New Year’s Speech: An Economic Perspective

Despite the positive tone and candidness, Kim Jong Un's new year's address is ultimately disappointing since he gives little indication that real reforms are in...

William Brown

January 2, 2019

Analysis

How Marketization Changed Ground Transportation in North Korea

North Koreans who were struggling to overcome the economic crisis began marketization and developed and business vehicles called ‘servi-cha.’

Yonoho Kim

December 26, 2018

Analysis

Kim’s post-Singapore Economy—Something from Nothing Isn’t Working

Pyongyang's promise of prosperity runs up against hard realities that even the Worker's Party cannot deny. With little changes to the broken economic structure, time...

William Brown

December 21, 2018

Analysis

Better Together: South Korea’s “New Southern Policy” and the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy”

New strategies from Seoul and Washington for engaging with Southeast and South Asia are also creating new opportunities to further expand the relationship.

Kyle Ferrier

December 18, 2018

Analysis

U.S.-Korea Trade Imbalance Continues to Dramatically Decline

The U.S. trade deficit through October with the world expanded by 11 percent, but Korea bucked this trend by declining 22 percent to just $15.1...

Phil Eskeland

December 6, 2018

Analysis

Why are there Fewer South Koreans Studying in the United States?

While Korea remains the third largest source of foreign students enrolled at U.S. colleges, the number of Korean students in the U.S. declined by 7...

Phil Eskeland

November 26, 2018

Analysis

How is the Government Handling Korea’s Love of Plastic?

South Korea’s Ministry of Environment (MOE) has taken steps to reduce plastic waste. However, questions remain on how prudent its policies have been.

Sang Hyun Back

October 31, 2018

Analysis

South Korea and the Next Financial Crisis

South Korea faces internal and external risks to its economy that cannot be mitigated without significant reforms and international cooperation

Kyle Ferrier

October 25, 2018

Analysis