October 26, 2006

US demands South Korea cut beef tariffs in FTA talks

The US has issued a demand for South Korea to "immediately" abolish tariffs on beef at their free trade talks, a South Korean delegate said Wednesday (Oct 25).

The US also wanted tariffs on other agricultural goods to be removed, said Bae Jong-ha, head of the South Korean negotiating team for farm goods on the third day of the five-day talks.

However, both sides have not touched on rice, one of the most sensitive items, Bae said.

The US is stepping up efforts to remove beef tariffs as it looks increasingly likely that the once flourishing beef trade would resume as South Korea lifted its ban on US beef. However, strict conditions have deterred US exporters from sending shipments and US negotiators continue efforts to hammer out an agreement hoping to see a relaxing of the rules.