한·남미공동시장(MERCOSUR)간의 교역활성화 방안

Strategic Directions Towards Promoting Trade Relations Between Korea and MERCOSUR

The trade volume between Korea and Latin America in 2015 showed that Korea exported US$ 28.7 billion worth of goods and imported US$ 14.6 billion worth of goods. Korea has been actively entering into FTAs in Latin America, starting with Chile and then with Peru in 2011. Now it has reached an agreement with Colombia, which is about to be effective. Thus, this study analyzed the current trade status between Korea and Latin America by focusing on the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), the largest economic integration block in Latin America, as well as identified obstacles in an effort to propose strategic directions which will improve cooperative relations with MERCOSUR. Findings revealed that MERCOSUR has attained significant achievements in terms of trade and investment. Based on the results, this study aims to contribute to revitalize trade between Korea and MERCOSUR by presenting improvement plans for the trade problems.