• Journal of Korea Trade
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.153-166
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• 2023

Purpose - This research empirically analyzes the influence of economic policy uncertainty and free trade agreements (FTAs) on bilateral trade volumes between Korea and its trading partners. The study investigates whether fluctuations in the Economic Policy Uncertainty Index (EPUI) for both Korea and its trading partners significantly impact trade volumes and whether the implementation of FTAs mitigates these effects. Design/methodology - The study employs dynamic panel data analysis using the system generalized method of moments (system GMM) estimation method to achieve its research objectives. It utilizes country-month-level panel data, including the EPUI, trade volume between Korea and its trading partner countries, and other pertinent variables. The use of system GMM allows for the control of potential endogeneity issues and the incorporation of country-specific and time-specific effects. Findings - The analysis yields significant results regarding the impact of economic policy uncertainty on Korea's exports and imports, particularly before the implementation of FTAs. An increase in the EPUI of trading partners leads to a notable increase in Korea's exports to them. Conversely, an increase in Korea's EPUI negatively affects its imports from trading partners. However, post-FTA implementation, the influence of each country's EPUI on trade volume is neutralized, with no significant difference observed. Originality/value - This research contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the interaction effects between economic policy uncertainty and FTAs on bilateral trade volumes. The study's uniqueness lies in its examination of how FTAs mitigate the impact of economic uncertainty on trade relations between countries. The findings underscore the importance of trade agreements as mechanisms to address economic risks and promote international trade relations. In a world where global market uncertainties persist, these insights can aid policymakers in Korea and other countries in enhancing their trade cooperation strategies and navigating challenges posed by evolving economic landscapes.

• International Commerce and Information Review
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.343-359
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• 2014

This study investigates how cultural differences between countries affect bilateral trade volumes, using Hofstede's cultural index that reflects nations' cultural characteristics. Empirical analyses of the impacts of Hofstede's five cultural characteristics on bilateral trade volumes are conducted either in each separate equation or simultaneously. Bilateral trade data of OECD countries plus China as of year 2010 is used for regression analysis on gravity model. Regression results from individual equation for each cultural index variable show tthe smaller the index gaps of power distances and uncertainty avoidance among countries, the larger bilateral trade volumes. On the contrary, the larger the index gaps of long-term orientation among countries, the larger bilateral trade volumes. If five Hofstede cultural indexes are regressed in a single equation, however, only variables of power distance and long-term orientation are significant. The analysis largely confirms that bilateral trade among countries with similar culture have much potrential to grow. It implies that policy actions for cultural proximity are very important for furthering bilateral trade.

• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.178-195
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• 2007

The purpose of this study is to suggest the new port development concepts in relation to the Mokpo port development. To analysis, we examine the relationship between the trade volumes which the port have and the capacities of the port facilities with 8 Korean seaport data. As a result of analysis, the trade volumes of port were found to be the major factors positively influencing the capacities of the port facilities in Korean ports. This findings shows that Mokpo port which trying to increase the trade volumes should have the new alternatives for Mokpo regional development. The new alternatives on the Mokpo Port's development are the model which constructing the Free Trade Zone(FTZ) and port city.

• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.1-21
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• 2005

It has been more recent trends in container trade to make bogger ship from shipowners that many more parties concerned are getting involved. Well, it is natural to swift these situations if we have looked into container trade market in present time, which a lot of trade volumes has increased in world economy. Thus, supply side of shipping service needs to employ more capacity in the shipping market, then newbuilding may be compulsory options, that is deployment of larger ships. To cope with market situations as able shipowner, some alternatives can be also adopted, such as newbuilding, chartering and securing the space by strategic alliance. But whatever he does, shipowner has to keep in mind to prepare for the future. This is much more important factor considered to make investment decision in case of newbuilding and then he can make more efficient decision as well. However, there has been a little problems arisen due to larger ship employed on the trade route, which is linked with seaport, shipping companies and freight rates as well. Although shipowner decides to build new larger vessel as one of corporate strategic decision, there are many questions to be considered in advance. Therefore, in order to take more efficient decision, shipowner has to take into an account various situations surrounded, and then it can lead truly thoughtful decision making process.

• Resources Recycling
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.51-60
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• 2014

In this study, the domestic supply & demand of the raw materials of 35 rare metals was analyzed categorized as four types - ores, metals, compounds and scraps. Foreign trade volumes of the raw materials of rare metals have been steadily increased, furthermore, recently trade growth rate highly exceeds GDP. The raw materials of rare metals - silicon, nickel, molybdenum, manganese, etc. - for steel industry were the most big part of the raw materials of rare metals trade, while the raw materials of rare metals for electronics industry were imported relatively small volumes less than $100 million. However systematic supply & demand management on the raw materials of rare metals for electronics industry is needed since recently growth rate per year has been remarkably high over 20%. Import volumes were about three times bigger than export scale, and most of the raw materials of rare metals were traded as a metal form.

• Journal of Korea Trade
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.1-20
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• 2023

Purpose - Using trade data from 2008 to 2019, this study analyzes the impact of trade facilitation on China's agricultural exports under the RCEP framework using a gravity model based on the level of trade facilitation in 13 RCEP countries. Design/methodology - This study constructs a complete set of trade facilitation index systems, comprehensively measures the trade facilitation level of RCEP member countries, and uses a gravity model to verify the critical role of trade facilitation level in enhancing the trade volumes of RCEP member countries. Findings - We found that trade facilitation has a significant impact on China's agricultural exports as a whole. The effect of each primary indicator varies in magnitude, with finance and e-commerce (F) having the most significant impact, followed by customs efficiency (C) and infrastructure development (1); the institutional environment has no significant effect. Originality/value - This study analyzes the impact of trade facilitation on China's agricultural exports from the perspective of exports, and uses the latest data to study the degree of the impact of trade facilitation in importing countries. Measures to jointly enhance trade facilitation among member countries under the RCEP framework are proposed.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.12 no.11
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• pp.35-43
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• 2014

Purpose - This study evaluates the mutual influential power regarding the trade volumes of Japan and USA, based on a literature review and an empirical analysis. Through the literature review, I could evaluate each country's actual import-export volume and its status. Further, I could evaluate how each country could influence its trade outcome, through empirical analysis. Research design, data, and methodology - This study aims to review the trade structure to improve Japan-USA economic and social cooperation, as the two countries have reciprocal complementary features, and to examine trade weaknesses and analyze factors influencing trade and its direction, as well as to identify ways to expand trade. Results - The intra-economic potential cooperation fields are numerous. Additionally, anticipated profits from these fields are stable as compared to other fields in the regional economic integration. Conclusion - The interrelations between the two economic identities can provide optimal opportunities for industrial technology cooperation. Under the current aggravated competition in industrial fields, it is advisable to identify ways to secure stable resource suppliers, including the development of export markets.

• THE INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE & LAW REVIEW
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• v.75
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• pp.95-116
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• 2017

The global financial crisis has slowed overall growth in the global economy. In addition, uncertainty is increasing in the world economy due to the Trade protectionism, sluggish world trade, and a rise in the rate of interest caused by expansion of fiscal spending by major countries. In this study, we analyzed various factors affecting the container import and export volume, which has a high correlation with export and import of commodities in international trade. In particular, we will examine how exchange rate fluctuations and domestic and overseas economic conditions affect container imports and exports. For the empirical analysis, monthly time series data were used from January 2000 to January 2017. We use the Error Correction Model (VECM) for the empirical analysis and the GARCH model for the exchange rate fluctuation. As a result, container export and import volume had a negative relationship with exchange rate and exchange rate volatility, which had a positive effect on domestic and international economic conditions. However, the effects are different before and after the financial crisis.

• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2009

This study predicted Port trade volume by considering Korea's export to China and import Com China separately using ARIMA model (Multiplicative Seasonal ARIMA Model). We predicted monthly Port trade volumes for 27 months from October 2008 to December 2010 using monthly data from September 2008 to January 2001 using monthly data. As a result of prediction, we found that the export volume decreased in January, February, August and September while the import volume decreased in February, March, August and September. As the decrease period was clearly differentiated, it was possible to predict export and import volumes. Therefore, it is believed that the results of this study will generate useful basic data for policy makers or those working for export and import enterprises when they set up policies and management plans. And to improve competitive power of Port trade, this study suggests privatization of Port, improvement of information capability, improvement of competitive power of Port management companies, support for Port distribution companies, plans for active encouragement of transshipment, and management of added value creation policy.

• Korea Trade Review
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.47-66
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• 2018

This study analyzes the potential economic effects of a trade war between the U.S. and China. The CGE model is used to estimate the macroeconomic variables of each country and the change in imports/exports by industry by considering three different scenarios: (i) the US imposes a 25% of tariff on China; (ii) the US and China impose a 25% tariff bilaterally; (iii) the United States expands protection in vehicles and metals to Korea, Japan, and the EU. According to the results of the study, when the US and China initiate a trade war, GDP and welfare of both countries decline. China's decline in GDP and welfare are larger than those of the United States, which implies a trade war is more favorable to the U.S. than to China. In the long run, China's GDP and welfare decline widens further. While the trade volumes of the US and China are greatly reduced, the trade volumes of other countries does not significantly fluctuate. Finally, if the US extends protection policy to Korea, Japan and the EU, it creates undesirable effects on the US. In particular, damage to the US jeopardizes its advantageous position in a trade war with China. In order to emphasize the unfairness of protectionist policy and the damage to Korean industry, Korea needs to establish a strategy to counter US protectionist policy.