June 12, 2007
 

South Korea allows re-entry of US beef

The government of South Korea has re-opened its doors for US beef imports after products intended for US domestic consumption-which contained bones-was mistakenly exported to South Korean markets.

The once the third-largest buyer of US beef has also agreed to resume imports of the meat in January 2006 while restricting them to boneless cuts from animals aged 30 months or younger.

Department of Agriculture Deputy Undersecretary Chuck Lambert said he hopes import suspension won't hinder the progress of South Korea's full opening on US beef.

The disruption briefly threatened a US and South Korea free-trade accord reached in April valued at as much as US$29 billion per year.