• Journal of Korea Trade
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• v.25 no.8
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• pp.1-24
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• 2021

Purpose - This study categorizes factors that influence the utilization of preferential tariffs based on the characteristics of rules of origin (RoO) and identifies and analyzes the influence of these characteristics on the utilization of preferential tariffs and the trade performance of companies. Design/methodology - In this study, we categorized factors that have an influence on the utilization of preferential tariffs based on the characteristics of RoO and investigated and tested the influence of these characteristics on the utilization of preferential tariffs and the trade performance of companies. For empirical analysis, we categorized the characteristics of RoO into restrictiveness, complexity, and uncertainty. We then developed a research model and formulated hypotheses based on previous studies, and tested the hypotheses using statistical software-(SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 18.0.) Findings - Previous studies suggested that each characteristic of RoO is determined by unique features of a Regional Trade Agreement (RTA). This study conducted an empirical analysis on the influence of the characteristics of RoO on the utilization of preferential tariffs and trade performance. The results confirmed that, overall, the characteristics of preferential rules of origin (PRoO) are related to and influence Korean companies' utilization of preferential tariffs and trade performance. As for the degree of the influence, the characteristics were in the order of uncertainty> restrictiveness> complexity. Nevertheless, complexity turned out not to have an influence large enough to change a company's decision on the utilization of preferential tariffs. Based on these results, this study identified unique features of PRoO and related problems for Korean companies that want to utilize preferential tariffs and suggested countermeasures for their effective utilization of preferential tariffs in the future. Originality/value - Companies that want to use preferential tariffs in international trade have to satisfy PRoO. The issue of origin can be regarded as an essential part of an RTA and RoO, are a crucial criterion in using preferential tariffs. The rules are requirements to claim benefits of preferential trade agreements and are the primary reasons companies have trouble in utilizing preferential tariffs. In this sense, this study categorized the characteristics of RoO, which are a key part of an RTA, and surveyed working-level professionals in charge of international trade at Korean companies to investigate the relationship between these characteristics and the utilizations of preferential tariffs and trade performance of the companies.

• Journal of Korea Trade
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• v.26 no.8
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• pp.58-76
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• 2022

Purpose - This study examined the Rules of Origin (RoO) as a factor affecting free trade agreements' (FTA) utilization and analyzed the causal relationship and the effects of these factors on the export performance of automobile parts companies. Design/methodology - We analyzed and verified the impact of FTA utilization and the export performance of automobile parts companies by dividing the characteristics of the RoO into complexity and uncertainty. Following which, various statistical analyses were conducted on the interrelationships among these variables. Findings - This research analyzed the effect of the RoO factors of complexity and uncertainty on the use of FTA and the export performance of automobile parts companies. We found that these characteristics of RoO were generally related to and affected the FTA use and export performance of these companies. Based on this, this study's investigation into the characteristics of the RoO would then help companies in better utilizing the FTA, as well as providing suggestions on how to effectively respond to the application of the FTA in the future. Originality/value - Companies that want to utilize FTAs in international trade must follow the RoO. In the Regional Trade Agreement (RTA), the country-of-origin is a key factor, with the RoO being an important requirement for the application of preferential tariffs. These regulations are a requirement for receiving FTA preferential treatment; however, they also cause difficulties to companies in using the FTA.

• International Commerce and Information Review
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.155-174
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• 2008

This study wished to inspect about certificate of origin issuance authorities subject in certificate of origin issuance mode by spread of FTA, and investigate about improvement plan of current certificate of origin issuance authorities choice for smoothness trade business our country in FTA age to be expanded gradually. Fundamental purpose and meaning of FTA strengthen industry competitive power of two countries because expand trade and investment between the agreement conclusion country, and is expected to esteem agreement target department's estimation at FTA certificate of origin issuance subject choice because is meaning that strengthen trade competitive power, and raise trade company's convenience. Therefore, our country FTA representative authorities is recognized authoritativeness and stability from trade company and trade connection authorities, and is suitable in legal application or institution that can propel with consistency about policy propelled hereafter has to be chosen, FTA agreement country is representative authorities that recognize, and to issue from customs services which is a government agency which can progress business is place of origin issuance business and the place of origin examination, is expected to become more and more effective.

• International Commerce and Information Review
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.475-498
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• 2013

The most fundamental reason why FTA Agreement must be concluded is based on the preferential tariff treatment among country parties. In order to get applied by the preferential tariff treatment under an FTA, the parties need to meet the rules of origin and the criteria stipulated under the FTA simultaneously. In addition, Certificate of Origin(C/O) document is required to claim for the preferential treatment under the FTA Agreement. In South Korea, the electronic Certificate of Origin can be issued by the UNI-PASS and FTA-PASS of the Korea Customs Service. The Web Certification System of the Korea Chamber of Commerce & Industry also is established. But the majority cases of requesting the preferential Certificate of Origin are generally performed by the business partners. The settlement and activation of electronic Certificate of Origin are urgently needed to maximize the effects of FTA, First, this paper examines the application situation of electronic Certificate of Origin throughly. Second, the current circumstances related to electronic Certificate Origin are analyzed in the practical and systematic perspectives. Finally, the improvements for activating electronic Certificate of Origin is suggested.

• International Commerce and Information Review
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.267-284
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• 2004

The expansion of regionalism has resulted in the creation of blocs of the world economy, so that those countries not belonging to one or more blocs can discriminated. Though recently singed on the bill of FTA with Chile, Korea is actually alienated from major stream of the blocs. Therefore, Korea government makes efforts to contract more FTAs with countries such as Singapore and Japan. FTA is believed to be an important method to secure export and national competitiveness in the long term. Therefore, we need to exactly understand critical issues and the long-run effect of FTA. The paper tries to find out important issues and potential strategies relating to electronic commerce in Korea-Singapore and Korea-Japan FTA. According to the historical facts, economic effect of FTA depends a lot on the contents of the agreement. Therefore, additional intensive studies are required before contracting FTA in the future.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2019

The Korean government has tried to introduce pipeline natural gas from Russia, instead of liquefied natural gas from Middle East Asia since 1990s. While this energy cooperation in North East Asia has been discussed in real politics and academic societies, the previous studies have shown the limits on policy implication because they just suggest necessity and possess the problems of weak theoretical frameworks. Therefore, this study tries to analyze the motivations, conditions, and stages for energy cooperation in this region from the viewpoint of economic integration theory. As a result of analysis, these countries in North East Asia have only one motivation, namely economic interest. On the contrary, they have several conditions including real benefit, complementation in economic structures, and convergence in policy goals. In conclusion, this study suggests that low level cooperation such as preferential trade agreement in the field of natural gas is possible and necessary in North East Asia.

• International Commerce and Information Review
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.207-232
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• 2013

FTA(Free Trade Agreement) of South Korea and European Union(EU) took effect from July 1, 2011. Korea signed a contract FTA with the European Union by first among Asian country, and Korea EU FTA is evaluated that it is wide, comprehensive and high level FTA. Therefore, Korea EU FTA will become FTA that dimension is high, and FTA fermentation with the European Union may activate the Korean economy through extension of export. By the way, in Korea EU FTA, the stipulations on import and export clearance system is different compared with other FTA. Therefore, exporter and importers should compare thoroughly on essential factor of origin standard and preferential tariff which is set in FTA Agreement. In this study, I analyzed 'conditions of direct transport' that is prescribed in article 13 of Korea EU FTA. Particular, I analyzed recently example of appeal for review that decision is made in the Korea Customs Service(KCS). Laying stress on counter measure of business, conclusion in this study is as following. First, companies must understand correctly a single consignment and a single transport document under Korea EU FTA. Second, companies must not analyze wrong 'conditions of direct transport'. Third, when simplicity transshipment or temporary custody is consisted, companies must secure documentary evidence as soon as possible. Fourth, in case goods pass third country, companies must understand uprightly 'a single consignment'. Finally, companies should keep in mind to truth that European Union and EFTA are different FTA.

• The Journal of shipping and logistics
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.245-264
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• 2019

With the first agrement in 2004, Korea(ROK) has been one of the most active countries participating in FTA. Companies should meet some requirements to use preferential tariff benefits of FTA. For example, it is required for firms to fulfil the origin criteria and direct transportation principles. This study is designed to provide important factors determining reliability of FTA Origin Certificate. In specific, characteries of firm(trade experience, professional expertise), country (FTA participation, economic development) and product(processing level, value pricing) are investigated as determinants of how trust FTA origin certificate. According to the theoretical foundation and previous studies, this study made 6 hypotheses. SEM(Structural Equation Modeling) was used to test empirically the hypothesized relationships among variables. The empirical findings show that trade experience, professional expertise and FTA participation are important determinants. In other words, firms can trust more FTA Origin Certificate by trading partners with more trading experiences and professional expertises located in countries where participate actively in FTA.

• Korea Trade Review
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.89-111
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• 2016

The Mega-FTA is intended for emerging economies, including developed economies, to expand economies of scale in a single market. The Bilateral FTA shall take into account the relevant industries and the inter-country related industries to adjust the origin standard and preferential tariff rates. Therefore, certain competitive industries can expect foreign investment and re-investment in the domestic market as well as expansion of the market in the region. However, the mega-FTA should expand the size of the economy under the same preferential tax rates for many Partner countries. The Mega-FTA can maximize the effectiveness of the agreement by making use of the competitive advantages of the participating countries. In the mega-FTA, Cumulative Criteria should be appropriately used as a supplemental standard of origin. The Cumulative Criteria is an important FTA utilization factor that determines the success of the mega-FTA. Using FTA, Korea should export locally produced materials using cheaper labor force in FTA partner country. In addition, in order to prepare the Mega-FTA, which allows full cumulation, it is necessary to encourage the overseas transfer of low-cost structure materials processing industry so that the material suppliers can be transferred to the area where production cost is lower and raw material supply is easier.

• Journal of Korea Trade
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.80-102
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• 2019

Purpose - This paper aims to articulate relationship about factors influencing FTA utilization by dividing them into company's external and internal factors and performing investigation on the relationship between FTA utilization and export performance. Design/methodology - This study verified factors influencing FTA utilization by dividing them into company's external and internal factors and performing investigation on the relationship between FTA utilization and export performance. Empirical analysis was performed by setting internal and external factors required for FTA utilization as variables. To achieve this, research model was established based on previous study, hypothesis was deduced, and statistical program were used to test the hypothesis. This study performed empirical analysis using statistical program of SPSS 18.0 and AMOS 18.0 for the research model. Findings - Empirical analysis was performed regarding the effect of the FTA utilization on export performance and previous study defined export performance as the company's increased economy benefits through export and increase in new transactions. Analysis was also performed for factors affecting the FTA utilization by the company and through management and response of external factors and internal factors it was confirmed that the FTA utilization by the company led to increase in the company's export performance as a result. This study proposes a method to achieve export performance based on this. Originality/value - Companies seeking to utilize the FTA sign the Contract for the International Sale of goods and there are many conditions to meet in order to receive trade preferences during the transaction process. Existing trade order and order in the FTA have to be followed. Country of origin can be seen as key in the FTA. The Rule of Origin becomes the most important evaluation standard in applying preferential tariff in the FTA. Such regulations can be seen as external factors which cannot be controlled by the company. Internal factors are capabilities owned before that can be controlled by the company. The study sought to test the variables regarding factors centered on such capability. This study verified factors influencing FTA utilization by dividing them into company's external and internal factors and performing investigation on the relationship between FTA utilization and export performance.