An Empirical Analysis of Industry-Level Supply Chain Structural Changes between Korea and China: Implications for the Reconfiguration of East Asian Regional Value Chains (RVCs)

Amid intensifying U.S.-China strategic rivalry and the reorganization of global supply chains, this study investigates the evolving structure of supply chains between South Korea and China through an empirical lens. Utilizing a composite set of quantitative indicators—including the Co-specialization Index (CS), Consistency Coefficient (CC), Trade Complementarity Degree (TCD), and Grubel-Lloyd Index (GL Index)—the research captures key structural shifts in bilateral industrial linkages. Furthermore, a dynamic analysis is conducted within the broader framework of East Asian regional value chains (RVCs), incorporating nine ASEAN countries and three South Asian economies. By examining heterogeneous transformation patterns across major high-tech industries—specifically chemicals, machinery, electronics, and transportation equipment—the study identifies sector-specific features and implications. Based on the findings, the paper offers concrete policy suggestions to enhance Korea’s supply chain resilience, promote self-sufficiency in strategic technologies, and diversify sourcing destinations in the context of regional and global supply chain realignment.