• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.475-491
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• 2022

Purpose - This study analyzed the correlation and effect of FTA environmental factors (company internal environmental factors, corporate external environmental factors) between FTA utilization and performance of Shandong companies in China. Design/methodology/approach - To test the hypothesis, SPSS 24.0 statistical packages were used based on the collected data. Findings - First, it was confirmed that internal environmental factors (international marketing orientation, corporate competitiveness, and corporate awareness of FTA) of companies had a positive(+) effect on FTA utilization. Second, The government's support for FTA utilization will have a significant positive (+) effect on companies' FTA utilization.Non-tariff barriers will have a negative (-) effect on companies' use of FTA. Third, A company's FTA utilization will have a significant positive effect on FTA performance. Research implications or Originality - If Shandong companies want to increase the utilization of FTAs, they should strengthen international marketing, such as collecting information on competitors and improving product quality and price competitiveness, and increase corporate competitiveness through active export activities to the global market.In order to increase the awareness of FTA among enterprises in Shandong Province, the government should strengthen the relevant education of enterprises about FTA.

• International Commerce and Information Review
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.225-251
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• 2014

This study was intended to confirm a positive correlation between a understanding and utilization and performance results of the FTA in Gangwon-do. To this end, eighty-six companies(90% SMEs) which participate in both import and export were surveyed regarding their understanding and utilization of the FTA, and current performance was analyzed. The research results are as follows. First, we found a positive correlation between 1) a company's global orientation (as measured in export density as a percentage of profit) and 2) its competitiveness (as measured in annual sales), and a company's degree of utilization of FTA provisions. Second, we found that increased awareness of the provisions of Korea's FTAs was positively correlated with the degree to which companies were able to benefit financially from Korea's FTAs. Third, however, at the time of this study's completion, FTA utilization was not yet positively correlated with statistically significant performance results. Therefore, to increase the utilization and performance of FTA, the Korean government have to make a efficient business models for each industry and support the small and mid-size businesses including Gangwon province's SMEs.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.59-82
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• 2015

According to the survey on the state of practical usage and present situation of FTAs, conducted among trade companies operating in Shandong province in 2014, more than 90% of companies are believed to be small and medium sized enterprises. Therefore this study tries to test what impact the awareness and utilization of an FTA have on its outcome among trade companies operating in Shandong province as well as partner countries and other trade companies. The research results are as follows. First, we found a positive correlation between 1) a company's global orientation (as measured in export density as a percentage of profit) and 2) its competitiveness (as measured in annual sales), and a company's degree of utilization of FTA provisions. Second, One of the findings is that the more aware of the (exporting) HS code, conventional tariffs and the process of issuing C/O the companies from Shandong province are the more they actually use (utilize) an FTA inpractice. Another interesting finding is that the more aware of the (exporting) HS code and conventional tariffs the enterprises are the higher is their practical usage level of an FTA. Third, however, at the time of this study's completion, FTA utilization was not yet positively correlated with statistically significant performance results. Therefore, to increase the utilization and performance of FTA, the China government have to make a efficient business models for each industry and support the small and mid-size businesses including Shandong province's SMEs.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.978-987
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• 2015

This study investigates the awareness levels of Korean textile companies and develops appropriate response plans for the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement. The study also explores practical and realistic directions that the Korean textile industry must initiate. A qualitative study was conducted on 10 individuals for a more in-depth and demonstrative understanding that provide a better awareness on the responses of the textile industry towards the Korea-US FTA. The results of this study are as follows. First, the effect of the Korea-US FTA on the textile industry was insignificant. Second, industry members determined that fabric sectors and specialized fabrics (such as industrial materials and finished clothing products) could realize benefits through the Korea-US FTA. Third, industry members emphasize that the current focus is on FTAs by countries that have solidified their positions as manufacturing and sewing bases for the US and Europe (such as Southeast Asia) and not the Korea-US FTA. Based on results acquired through this study, the response measures to enter the U.S. market are as follows. First, the industry must develop high-performance and high value-adding direct export products suited to the needs of the US market in order to realize the benefits of the Korea-US FTA. Second, the industry and government must cooperate to actively host and participate in overseas trade shows that can actively open sales channels within the US. Third, the self-sustainability of textile companies must be cultivated through continuous and focused government training.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.588-595
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the awareness levels of Korean textile companies and develop appropriate response plans for the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement. Through such, the study aims to explore practical and realistic directions that the Korean textile industry must take in the future. As for the research method, a survey on the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement was conducted to 50 Korean textile companies which mainly deal in textile exports. Results showed that Korean textile companies possess above average awareness for the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement and carry the perception that the FTA has thus far had a positive effect of market revitalization and contributions to sales. Nonetheless, perceptions on the needs for the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement and level of awareness were below average while government assistance seen to be unsatisfactory. Such results suggest that measures for successful access to the U.S. market require developing products customized for the U.S. market and creating new market opportunities by participating in U.S. exhibits and shows. In addition, textile companies must develop their abilities for self-sustainability through continuous FTA related programs provided by government in addition to investing efforts to understand global markets within companies through response measures on the FTA as a whole.

• International Commerce and Information Review
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.367-387
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• 2013

19) This research investigates the satisfaction level of both countries' export companies about the export insurance system which can cause problems in Korean-Chinese FTA in this age of spreading FTA. Through this research, it surveys of the system user satisfaction of two nations based on the characteristics of export insurance systems in South Korea and China. The satisfaction level of export credit insurance system is as follows: Awareness of credibility (3.53), awareness of exporting area (3.38), awareness of risk management (3.29), awareness of market change (3.14), awareness of insured accident (3.24), and awareness of regulations (3.03) present positive responses to the export insurance system but awareness of defective product (2.97) was relatively unsatisfied. Though it is hard to compare directly due to the differences between the exporting systems of Korean and China, this research shows the need of various export insurance products, and that most export companies in Korea and China are generally satisfying with export insurance products at present.

• International Commerce and Information Review
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.127-149
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• 2010

It is well known that FTA increases consumer welfare. However, it is difficult to analyze consumer welfare effects of FTA for item by item because of the difficulty in data collection. In this respect, this study aims at analyzing the types of increasing consumer welfares with item by item. According to the result of the study, there are five types of consumer welfare increased by FTA, and the items are like below: banana, kiwi, octopus, wine, and etc. However, it is hard for consumer to feel effects of FTA directly for several reasons. The problem of distribution structure of imported goods and, tariff reductions over long period are parts of the reasons to reduce the consumer wealfare effects. And the lack of consumer awareness about imported goods also reduces them. In order to promote FTA more efficiently, this study suggests that the government must improve the problems mentioned because consumer consent is essential element for further FTA promotion.

• International Commerce and Information Review
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.509-535
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• 2010

This paper examines the Spaghetti bowl effect that different tariffs and rules of origin in multiple FTAs have resulted in increasing the significantly additional burden for business when it comes to apply for the use of FTA preference. The wide spread of FTAs in the several years, from 2003 to 2010, has been the most important trade policy development in economically important Korea. Korea presently has 5 FTAs in effect, and made 3 additional agreements which will be expected to take effect in next year. With the study result and expecting a growing number of FTAs in Korea in a next decade, the international trading firms will face rise of transaction costs for enterprises, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises(SMEs) to cope with multiple tariffs and rule of origins in FTAs. To help mitigate negative effects and facilitate a more SEMs to use the FTA preference, providing new computer programs system, increasing the awareness of FTA provisions, improving business participation in FTA consultations, and SME support in light of education, and financial support are needed.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.145-165
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• 2020

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to suggest strategies and solutions for entering China in the tariff and non-tariff sectors of the cosmetic industry. Design/methodology/approach - This study analyzed the import tariff rate of cosmetics in China, and analyzed the export cost by actually interviewing the exporting companies to derive the economic effect of non-tariff measures. Findings - First, We proposed the use of the FTA business model (basic cosmetics), the use of Korea-China FTA tariffs (foam cleansing, toothpaste), and the use of APTA tariffs (perfume). Second, We proposed cooperation between the governments to facilitate customs clearance procedures and improvement of FTA awareness among corporate practitioners. Third, We proposed the expansion and support of the AEO MRA system and the expansion of Korea-China MOU conclusions regarding the certification system, and the international standardization of domestic licensing system and technical conditions. Fourth, We proposed the use of government-supported projects related to obtaining overseas certifications and overseas expansion through collaboration with the same industry. Research implications or Originality - HS3304 products excluded from the Korea-China FTA should take full advantage of the FTA business model. In addition, the non-tariff measure costs are fixed costs per year, so the ratio decreases as the number of exports and export volume increases.

• Culinary science and hospitality research
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.112-127
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• 2009

In 2007, due to the outcome of the Korea-U.S. FTA negotiations, the opportunities for American beef greatly increased and a serious change in the domestic dining market is expected. The market currently faces issues such as the settlement of the beef origin declaration policy and the fulfillment of customer needs on domestic and imported beef. The following are the summary of the results of the aforementioned research and analysis. First, the consumer awareness level of origin declarations was comparatively low. Second, the reason behind the propensity for imported beef was the comparatively cheaper price despite the lower taste quality, and it was determined that there is a high level of distrust on domestic beef sold in general restaurants. Third, domestic beef showed a high valuation in taste, safety and freshness, while imported beef showed results which were below average. Concluding from the above research results, a dining environment should be created where consumers can trust what they eat through settlement of an origin declaration policy, and more efforts should be put into fulfilling consumer needs for both domestic and imported beef.