Cattlemen Oppose Korea's New Import Guidelines

October 12, 1999

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association opposes new guidelines issued by the Korean government to expand that country's beef import system. The guidelines increase government control over beef imports and maintain retail distribution restrictions and beef pricing

"U.S. beef producers oppose the anti-import and anti-consumer orientation of Korea's new guidelines and related rules on the handling of imported beef," says NCBA President George Swan, Rogerson, ID. "These rules guarantee Korean government intrusion into the market that will crowd out competition and leave Korean consumers with fewer choices and higher food prices.

Korean government rules on the import and distribution of foreign beef do not comply with the commitments Korea made as a member of the World Trade Organization, says NCBA. The Korean government is tightening controls over the import and distribution of beef contrary to its WTO commitment to fully liberalize its beef market by Jan. 1, 2001.

"We intent to see to it that Korea fully liberalizes its beef market on schedule," says Swan, "and are working closely with the U.S. government through the WTO dispute settlement process to ensure that this market is open to competition that will benefit Korean consumers."