Korea's trade structure since 2010 and implications for economic security

Sunghoon Chung

No 142, KDI Focus from Korea Development Institute (KDI)

Abstract: Recent shifts in Korea's trade structure are characterized by a broad-based rise in imports from China and a concentrated expansion of exports to the United States in a small set of products, resulting in deeper bilateral trade dependence with both economies. These structural shifts introduce multiple risks, including supply chain vulnerability, job losses in sectors competing with Chinese imports, exposure to U.S. protectionism, and macroeconomic instability. Proactive trade diversification through coordinated policies and targeted export promotion initiatives is essential, alongside institutional reforms to shield affected industries and workers. This agenda should remain a policy priority even after the current trade negotiations with the U.S. are concluded.

Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:zbw:kdifoc:343512

DOI: 10.22740/kdi.focus.e.2025.142

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