March 30, 2007

South Korea finds it difficult to remove tariffs on US beef
 

South Korea has rejected US demands of abolishing its import tariffs on American beef and oranges to conclude the ongoing bilateral free trade talks in Seoul.

Agriculture Minister Park Hong-soo said a gradual cut on import tariffs is more likely to protect its own livestock farms in response to US' insistence on South Korea's complete removal of duties on its beef imports.

South Korea currently imposes an import tariff of 40 percent on US beef and 50 percent on oranges.

Park also said South Korea cannot consider the import of "bone-in" beef until the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) issues its opinion on the health risks of US beef in May.

The South Korean government will flexibly deal with the matter after OIE has issued its examination results, Park added.