July 17, 2007

South Korea increases its June US beef imports by 1,200 tonnes

South Korea has jacked up its US beef imports to 1,200 tonnes in June, compared to a measly 248 tonnes in May, according to Korean government sources.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said a total of 1,497 tonnes have been imported by local distributors since Korea partially opened its door to US beef in May, after a ban of three years and five months.

Of the total imports, 906 tonnes has passed the quarantine procedure and sold in the markets while 523 tonnes are still unloaded and will undergo quarantine process, according to the ministry officials.

Currently, Cargill Meat, Tyson Foods and Swift & Co. are the main beef suppliers to Korea. US beef is sold half the price from its local counterpart and 15 to 25 percent cheaper than Australian imports.