Factors Influence on the Share of Services in Internaitonal Trade: Focus on Japan

초록

This study aims to analyze possible factors influence on the share of services in international trade of Japan. For many countries, Japan together with the United States and Germany was major export sources of value added in final demand until China overtook Japan as the leading Asian exporter in 2004. The ratio of exports to GDP for Japan and its growth in the ratio are low while many major OECD countries are pursuing economic growth through the expansion of exports, especially the ratios of services trade. Special attention is made on the periodical changes of services in international trade of Japan. Qualitative method is used to build a theoretical framework based on the literature review within the context of services and perspective of international trade. Data in Japanese, Chinese, English, and Korean are collected and analyzed in order to respect the perception and perspectives of different critics on the conduct. The share of services in international trade in Japan is determined to be influenced by the multiple factors: technological development, direct foreign investment, liberalization of trade, agreements with neighboring and foreign countries, and natural disaster.