1997 Volume 43 Issue 3 Pages 185-200
Geographical Studies on international trade are classified into three categories: (1) modeling of world trade patterns, (2) relationships between ports and hinterlands, and (3) international trade as business decision-making. However, there have been few geographical studies on international physical distribution, because geographers in Japan have mainly studied on domestic freight flow. This study aims to discuss why the firms in Taegu mainly use Hakata, Moji, and Shimonoseki Ports, as ports of entry to Japan, by analyzing the location of importers and the assessment by the Taegu firms of Hakata, Moji, and Shimonoseki ports. Data are obtained from interviews with 73 firms in Taegu exporting to Japan, and following three points are analyzed: (1) means of transportation selected, (2) relationships between the locations of importers and the selection of ports of entry in Japan, and (3) relationships between assessment and the selection of ports. The results are summarized as follows: 1. By an ANOVA analysis, the following four points are significantly worked out: (1) the rate of using ports is higher than that of using airports, (2) goods from the Taegu firms are exported to Japan through Pusan port, (3) the linkage between Pusan port and Hakata, Moji, and Shimonoseki ports is stronger than that of between Pusan port and ports in the three metropolitan areas, and (4) selection of transport means (sea or air) is different by final destination. 2. An ANOVA analysis and correlation analysis revealed that (1) correlation coefficient between the ports or airports of entry and location of importers is low and (2) Taegu firms mainly select Hakata, Moji, and Shimonoseki ports, regardless of location of importers. 3. As a result of cluster analysis and multiple regression analysis, it is found out that (1) the assessment by Taegu firms of Hakata, Moji, and Shimonoseki ports is very high, (2) time costs are more highly assessed, and (3) the factors of using three ports are not only shorter time distance from Pusan port and shorter time of custom clearance, but also more frequent shipping services. 4. In conclusion, (1) there is a spatial difference between business transaction and physical distribution, (2) time cost is the most important factor of selecting port of entry, and (3) the linkage between Northern-Kyushu economic Zone in Japan (Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, and Shimonoseki) and Southeast economic zone in Korea (Pusan and Taegu) is strong especially in the aspect of international physical distribution.
