U.S. cattle industry urges South Korea to lift 30-month beef import ban

In December 2003, June 2005, and March 2006, cases of mad cow disease were discovered in the United States, leading to prolonged negotiations between the U.S. and South Korea. In 2008, the two countries reached an agreement to import U.S. beef from cattle that were '30 months or older, including bones and internal organs, and less than 30 months, including most specified risk materials.' Since then, the so-called 'mad cow disease controversy' has arisen in South Korea, but the U.S. and South Korea have maintained these standards regarding the import of U.S. beef.

In response, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA), representing the U.S. cattle industry, submitted a statement on the 11th (local time) to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), identifying South Korea's quarantine regulations that prohibit the import of U.S. beef from cattle over 30 months old as 'unfair trade practices that require improvement.' They noted that the current administration under Donald Trump has requested that South Korea lift its age restrictions on U.S. beef.

In the statement submitted to the USTR, the NCBA acknowledged, 'We recognize that the 30-month age restriction on U.S. beef is a sensitive issue in South Korea, but it is an issue that cannot be ignored.' They argued, 'China, Japan, and Taiwan have recognized the safety and quality of U.S. beef and lifted similar 30-month restrictions.' They continued, stating, 'The United States has the strictest standards and safeguards regarding mad cow disease,' and urged for discussions with South Korea to eliminate age restrictions and enhance trade based on science between the two countries.

This follows the results of the USTR's reception of opinions from various sectors in the United States regarding unfair practices among countries with large trade volumes and significant trade deficits, which have been accepted from the 20th of last month until today. USTR is required to submit to Trump a report identifying unfair trade practices of trading partners, along with remedies, as directed by Trump by April 1.

Meanwhile, in its 'National Trade Estimates Report on Foreign Trade Barriers' (NTE) published last year, USTR pointed out that the agreement with South Korea for the export of cattle under 30 months was a transitional measure but has been maintained for 16 years. It also noted that processed meat products such as ground beef patties, jerky, and sausages are still banned from export, arguing that South Korea should allow imports.