Economy & Trade - Korea Economic Institute of America

Korea Deserves Clarity from the U.S. Regarding a Tariff Exemption on Autos

There are no public reports that an assurance was given to South Korea that the U.S. would exempt Korea from higher tariffs in imported autos.

Phil Eskeland

September 28, 2018

Analysis

Tertiary Impact of Higher U.S. Tariffs Imposed on China

Higher U.S. tariffs on Chinese products leave Korea’s economy vulnerable to this trade fight because many Chinese products incorporate parts from Korea.

Phil Eskeland

September 20, 2018

Analysis

The Young Marshall’s Long Hot Summer

Let’s examine the North Korean economic scene in the hot Korean summer of 2018 to see if we can get hints at Kim Jong-un’s thinking.

William Brown

September 5, 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

September 5, 2018

Analysis

What Does the New NAFTA Agreement Mean for Korean Auto Makers?

The initial agreement announced to revise NAFTA includes proposed changes to automobile trade in North America that have implications for Hyundai and Kia.

Troy Stangarone

August 30, 2018

Analysis

The Challenges of a Second Minimum Wage Increase in South Korea

The Korean government announced on July 14 that it will raise the minimum wage next year by 10.9% to 8350 won ($7.40), following a 16.9%...

Suyeon Ham

August 15, 2018

Analysis

U.S. Merchandise Trade Deficit with South Korea Continues to Decline

While America’s overall merchandise trade deficit went up by 6.7 percent for the first six months of this year, it declined 23 percent with South...

Phil Eskeland

August 3, 2018

Analysis

Kim Turns to Exhortation Economics, What is His Plan B?

Kim Jong-un is launching his “economy first” messaging with his new emphasis on economic growth and improved living standards.

William Brown

July 26, 2018

Analysis

Higher Tariffs on Imported Vehicles and Parts from Korea Will Harm U.S. National Security

Not only are there sound economic reasons not to impose higher tariffs on Korea motor vehicle and parts imports, it will also damage U.S. national...

Phil Eskeland

July 19, 2018

Analysis

Hold Your Dollars! The Right, and Wrong, Ways to Engage North Korea

To break the cycle with North Korea, our reengagement needs to work to simultaneously end the weapons program and end the failed economic system.

William Brown

June 27, 2018

Analysis

The Evolution of Mobile Telecommunications and Private Transport Services in North Korea

Unprecedented market activities are emerging in North Korea thanks to the expansion of state-run mobile telecommunications and private transport services.

Yonoho Kim

June 25, 2018

Analysis

Moon and Putin on North Korea and Economic Cooperation

Moon Jae-in arrived in Moscow earlier today for a three-day state visit to Russia, the first such visit by a South Korean president since 1999.

Juni Kim

June 21, 2018

Analysis

Taking Quick Delivery for Granted in South Korea

Widely known as the “Delivery Nation,” South Koreans enjoy high speed delivery services in almost every product, including food, socks, and staples.

Jihyun Joung

May 30, 2018

Analysis

Making Korea Grow Again: Rebalancing the Moon Jae-in Economic Agenda

The Moon Jae-in administration in South Korea has taken a two-pronged approach to ensure urgently needed job creation and inclusive growth. Although measures towards each...

Choong Yong Ahn

May 24, 2018

Publication

Life in Plastic, Not So Fantastic

After a sudden Chinese ban on waste and recycling import, South Korea is now scrambling to cut down on the plastic waste that the country...

Jenna Gibson

May 18, 2018

Analysis