S. Korea reopened to U.S. beef

U.S. trade representative Susan C. Schwab welcomed the agreement to fully reopen South Korea's market to U.S. beef exports consistent with international standards and World Animal Health Organization guidelines. The agreement was announced in Seoul Friday, April 18.

"I am pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with the South Korean government to reopen the Korean market to all U.S. beef and beef products, from cattle of all ages," Ambassador Schwab said. "The import protocol is fully consistent with OIE guidelines and other international standards. I am very pleased that safe, affordable, high-quality American beef will soon be back on Korean tables. This will be a huge boost to our ranchers and producers who have waited patiently to regain the access to the South Korean beef market that was lost in December 2003. The Administration will now work in earnest with Congress and the U.S. agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors to pass the KORUS FTA."

South Korea closed its market to U.S. beef and beef products after a case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, or mad cow disease, was discovered in the United States in December 2003. Prior to this time, South Korea was the thirdlargest export market for U.S. beef and beef products, and the United States exported $815 million worth of beef and beef products in 2003.