NEW YORK — November 14, 2025 — The Korea Society, in partnership with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York, has announced a special forum titled “U.S.–Korea Economic Relations in a New Tariff Era: Economic and Industrial Perspectives.” The event brings together leading economists, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss how rising tariffs and currency fluctuations are reshaping global trade and investment.
The program highlights the ongoing transformation of international supply chains as nations adapt to evolving industrial strategies and new trade realities. The forum emphasizes the importance of strategic cooperation between the United States and South Korea to maintain resilience in an increasingly fragmented global economy.
Forum To Address Global Economic Shifts
The forum will explore how tariff pressures, geopolitical rivalries, and technological competition are redefining economic alliances. Organizers say the discussions aim to identify opportunities for cross-border investment, supply-chain localization, and joint innovation initiatives between the two nations.
Speakers will assess how policy changes in both Washington and Seoul can influence long-term growth, particularly in sectors such as semiconductors, green energy, and advanced manufacturing — industries central to both countries’ economic security agendas.
Keynote By IMF’s Former Chief Economist
The highlight of the event will be a keynote address by Dr. Maurice Obstfeld, former Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and a leading voice in global macroeconomics. Dr. Obstfeld will provide an overview of the shifting global industrial landscape and discuss how U.S.–Korea cooperation can promote stability and sustainable growth.
His keynote will analyze the challenges of supply-chain dependency, tariff escalation, and currency volatility, offering policy recommendations for both nations as they adapt to the new tariff environment.
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Panel Discussion On Industrial Strategy
Following the keynote, a panel of experts will discuss practical strategies to strengthen industrial resilience and supply-chain flexibility. The discussion will highlight the role of regional trade frameworks, bilateral investment treaties, and emerging digital-trade agreements.
Panelists will include senior representatives from academia, finance, and technology sectors, focusing on how joint industrial strategies can safeguard competitiveness and innovation. The dialogue is expected to emphasize the importance of localization, diversified sourcing, and strategic technology alliances in response to global economic uncertainty.
Invitation-Only Program With Select Attendees
The event will be invitation-only, with attendance limited to Korea Society Individual Members and select industry leaders. Participation will be confirmed based on seating availability, reflecting the program’s high-level focus and exclusive nature.
Organizers encourage interested members to RSVP early to secure a chance to join this high-impact discussion on one of the most pressing issues in global economic policy today.
Strengthening Economic Cooperation
The Korea Society emphasized that this initiative reinforces the long-standing partnership between the United States and South Korea, underscoring a shared commitment to free-market collaboration even as protectionist policies rise worldwide.
By promoting dialogue between policymakers and business leaders, the forum seeks to align strategies that will enhance trade efficiency, mitigate tariff risks, and advance industrial competitiveness across key technology and manufacturing sectors.
Outlook: Navigating A New Trade Era
As nations confront rising protectionism and shifting alliances, events such as this forum signal the determination of both the U.S. and South Korea to build a forward-looking, resilient partnership.
Through informed dialogue and cooperative strategy, both nations aim to sustain economic stability and ensure their industries remain globally competitive amid the turbulence of today’s trade landscape.
