Geopolitical Shock, Downstream Realignment, and Structural Transformation in East Asia’s Production Networks

Q: What does this research mean for the field?

The 2018 US-China trade conflict has led to a structural transformation in East Asia's production networks, characterized by a weakening link between deepening production and performance improvement. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.CHALLENGES_CONSENSUS.

Woocheol Lee

doi:10.18327/jias.2026.1.30.1.223

January 31, 2026Journal of international area studies

Geopolitical Shock, Downstream Realignment, and Structural Transformation in East Asia’s Production Networks

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Key Points

The aim is to analyze the effects of the intensified US-China trade conflict on East Asia's production networks and the persistence of these changes.
Utilized ADB multi-regional input-output tables from 2007-2023.
Reconstructed manufacturing sectors in China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam based on Lall's (2000) technology groups.
Analyzed average propagation lengths and value-added exports before and after the trade conflict.
Identified 2018 as a turning point where the connection between deepening and performance improvement weakened.
Found more significant adjustments in downstream linkages related to final demand and exports than in upstream sourcing.
Observed a short-term increase in value-added exports (VAX), followed by a trend slowdown, raising concerns about value capture mechanisms.

Implication

This research investigates the impact of the 2018 US-China trade conflict on production networks in East Asia, suggesting necessary policy adjustments.

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Cite This Study

Woocheol Lee (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69aa7048531e4c4a9ff59e0a https://doi.org/10.18327/jias.2026.1.30.1.223

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Geopolitical Shock, Downstream Realignment, and Structural Transformation in East Asia’s Production Networks

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Geopolitical Shock, Downstream Realignment, and Structural Transformation in East Asia’s Production Networks

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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