September 9, 2008

Traditional beef demand during South Korea's Chuseok holiday has led to more US beef imports clearing customs and reaching the market, according to the government on Monday (September 8, 2008).

The National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service (NVRQS) said 10,185 tonnes of US beef have cleared quarantine inspections, with 3,698 tonnes handed over to importers for sale.

The total that reached store shelves and restaurants is a sharp increase compared to the 1,700 tonnes in mid August.

Local beef consumption jumps two-fold during the month which the three-day Chuseok holiday falls in, the NVRQS said.

An NVRQS official said importers who had kept US beef in cold storage, even after they have cleared inspections, are paying necessary duties so they can start selling the meat.

More US beef is likely to be turned over to importers during the week, the official added.