Impact of the Sino-Korea Free Trade Agreement on China’s Agricultural Industry

Abstract

Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between China and South Korea was an inevitable consequence of intimate cultural and geographical background between two countries. On the surface, China is prevailing over the current agreement. However the agreement contained tariff concessions on staple items from South Korea. This implies Chinese agricultural market was also has been affected in some ways. Previous researches were mostly focusing on the feasibility of free trade agreement between China and South Korea. Little empirical research has been done on the actual results of the agreement regarding tariff concession. This article discusses the current status of agricultural trade and future of Sino-Korea agricultural trade. Major agricultural products of both countries are analyzed through general equilibrium analysis, then changes of production, consumption and import and export rate is predicted. Finally, implications to China have been suggested.

Keywords: Sino-Korea FTA, Agricultural products, General equilibrium analysis