News Detail
Smith: South Korea Should Import Beef Shipments as Soon as Possible
5/15/2008 1:00:14 PM
WASHINGTON, DC— Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today voiced his concern the South Korean government is delaying opening of its markets to U.S. beef imports until later this month. Public protests in South Korea have escalated, putting pressure on the South Korean government.
“I hope the reopening of this important market to U.S. beef and beef products won’t be derailed by misinformed politics and innuendo. Our beef is safe, our standards are high, and we produce the highest quality of beef available worldwide. South Korea is an important market and I look forward to seeing its doors opened to American beef as soon as possible,” Smith said.
South Korea closed its market to U.S. beef and beef products after a case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) was discovered in the United States in December 2003. At the time, South Korea was the third-largest export market for U.S. beef and beef products, importing $815 million worth of beef and beef products.
The new protocol, which was to take effect on May 15 but which has been delayed seven to ten days, defines conditions for importation of U.S. beef to South Korea and provides for a full reopening of the market. It is fully consistent with OIE guidelines and will permit all U.S. beef and beef products from cattle of all ages to be exported to Korea, with appropriate Specified Risk Materials, as defined by the OIE, removed.
