한국의 중석수출과 한미중석협정의 체결

Abstract

This study examines the historical context and process leading to the signing of the US-ROK Tungsten Agreement, which legitimized American intervention in Korea’s key natural resource and resulted in imbalances in trade relations. Tungsten emerged as a pivotal strategic mineral in the 20th century for weapons production. In WWII, the United States classified the mineral as a ‘strategic material’ and sought to secure a stable stockpile. The communization of China expedited the search for alternative sources, with South Korea emerging as a non-communist alternative after heavy reliance on Chinese tungsten until 1947. Efforts to faciliate exports of Korean tungsten ores to the US commenced under the US Military Government in Korea (USAMGIK), gaining momentum during the Korean War and culminating in the signing of the Agreement in 1952. The Korean War marked two pivotal shifts in the US-SK bilateral trade relationship as well as in the SK tungsten mining industry. First, the Korean War halted US aid agencies’ plans to rehabilitate Korean economy. Simultanesously, the global surge in demand for tungsten emphasized the need for an exclusive purchase contract to ensure seamless war effort and sustained ore production. Conversely, the Korean War stopped the increasing trend in ore exports since 1948, removing a major source of SK government’s foreign exchange. However, as the conflict extended, discussions about postwar reconstruction initiated, with SK tungsten providing a crucial financial asset for reconstruction efforts. The signing of the Agreement led SK into an exclusive trade relationship with the US. However, this outcome did not arise from unilateral intent but rather exemplified a conflict of interests between SK and US. This paper calls for understanding geopolitical considerations and nuanced negotiations that shaped the exclusive trade ties during this critical period.