The Relationship between Carbon Emissions and Import Tariffs: Evidence from Korean Data
Hyelin Choi
This study analyzes the relationship between carbon emissions
and import tariff rates using the Input?Output Tables and import
tariff data from Statistics Korea for the years 2021?2023. The
results show that industries with higher carbon emissions tend to
have lower import tariff rates, and this negative relationship is
partly explained by factors such as intra-industry transactions,
declining sunset industries, and industry upstreamness. The inverse
relationship between carbon emissions and import tariffs remains
robust when the data are extended using rank values of carbon
emissions.
This paper examines how dispersion in global value chain (GVC)
linkages affects countries¡¯ net portfolio investment positions, using
data from 155 countries over 2002?2018. GVC linkage dispersion is
positively associated with net portfolio positions, suggesting that
countries use international financial markets to hedge production
network risks. This effect is absent among advanced economies,
where outward and inward portfolio flows are more balanced. The
results highlight complementarities between real-sector integration
and cross-border financial linkages, particularly in less financially
liberalized economies.
The Impact of Monetary Policy Shocks on Income and Consumption Inequality in Korea
Inhwan So, Kyu Tae Kim
This paper examines the impacts of monetary policy shocks on
income and consumption inequality, as well as their transmission
channels in Korea. To do so, we first identify monetary policy shocks
using a narrative approach that incorporates the information
considered across monetary policy decision meetings. In addition, we
construct various income and consumption inequality indicators
using micro-level data from the Household Income and Expenditure
Survey. Then, using these variables, we estimate the VAR models
to examine the effects of monetary policy shocks on inequality. The
results show that a contractionary monetary policy shock significantly
exacerbates income inequality. However, its impact on consumption
inequality is found to be relatively limited or less significant compared
to that on income inequality.
An Empirical Analysis of the Impact of Escalating US-China Geopolitical Tensions on Korea¡¯s Aggregate and Industry-Level Trade Flows
Jihye Ahn
The US-China geopolitical tensions have evolved into a structural and long-term conflict since the onset of the trade war in 2018. The recent resumption of ultra-high tariffs under the second Trump administration in 2025 has further intensified the conflict, amplifying uncertainties across global supply chains and the international economic order. These developments represent significant external shocks to highly trade-dependent economies such as Korea.
This study empirically analyzes the impact of escalating US-China geopolitical tensions on Korea¡¯s exports and imports over the period from 2017 to 2024. A vector error correction model (VECM) and generalized impulse response functions (GIRFs) are employed to capture both long-run equilibrium relationships and short-run dynamic adjustments. The results indicate that rising geopolitical tensions negatively affect both exports and imports in the short run. In the long run, however, an adjustment mechanism toward equilibrium is observed, accompanied by restructuring of trade patterns.
At the industry level, heterogeneous responses are identified across sectors. In particular, semiconductors exhibit persistent disequilibrium with amplified long-run divergence, while automobiles and steel show partial convergence toward equilibrium, reflecting differences in global value chain positioning and external dependency. These results suggest that the impact of geopolitical shocks is transmitted asymmetrically across industries through global production networks.
These findings imply that Korea¡¯s trade structure is highly sensitive to geopolitical shocks and adjusts differently across sectors. Accordingly, policy responses should shift their focus from short-term shock mitigation toward enhancing long-term structural resilience. In addition to diversifying export and import markets, it is necessary to enhance supply chain diversification, reinforce domestic production capabilities in strategic industries, and establish early warning and monitoring systems that incorporate geopolitical risk.