Korea in Tug of War With US Over Beef Imports

SOUTH KOREA - South Korea has been under pressure to import boned beef from U.S. cattle as the U.S. beef industry has threatened to boycott a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries if Korea maintains its position to import only de-boned beef.

9 October 2006

1 minute read

Asia

"The International Trade for the American Meat Institute said there’s no way we can support an FTA unless Korea normalizes trade relations on beef with the U.S.,’’ according to agricultural media last week.

Citing remarks of a vice president of the institute, the U.S. media said the Bush administration understands the meat industry has a lot influence in Congress, and that it would be difficult to get an FTA passed if the beef industry isn’t in the agreement.

Last month, the U.S. sent letters urging inclusion of cattle bone in beef imports to the Korean government. It seems that the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is at a loss what to do.

Source: hankooki.com