A US livestock industry group has denounced South Korea’s ban on importing US beef from cattle older than 30 months, labeling it an "unfair trade practice" and urging President Donald Trump’s administration to push for its removal.
On Wednesday, the Office of the United States Trade Representative submitted an opinion letter addressing unfair trade practices by US trading partners, drafted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. In the letter’s section on Korea, the NCBA acknowledged that the "30-month age-based restriction" on US beef is a "sensitive issue" but emphasized that it "should not be ignored."
The NCBA insisted that the US upholds the world’s strictest standards and safeguards against bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly known as “mad cow disease.” It pointed out that countries such as China, Japan and Taiwan have already removed similar restrictions and argued that Korea should follow suit.
The association urged the US government to engage in discussions with Korea to eliminate the age limit and strengthen trade relations based on scientific principles, emphasizing its support for a level playing field across the US cattle and beef industry.
"Since 2021, Korea has been the largest importer of US beef for four consecutive years," an official from a trade organization said on condition of anonymity.
"In this context, it is unclear how much weight the US government will place on the letter. However, since US trade demands can be multifaceted, our government needs to approach negotiations in a way that considers not just one sector but the overall national interest," the official added.
Korea’s restriction on beef from cattle older than 30 months stems from BSE concerns and was established in 2008 following extensive negotiations between the two countries. Under the agreement, Korea resumed US beef imports, and imports have since surged, making the country the largest importer of US beef for years.
The USTR’s National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, published last year, noted that the 30-month restriction was originally intended as a "transitional measure" but has remained in effect for 16 years. The report also highlighted that certain processed meat products, such as ground beef patties, jerky and sausages, are still banned from import.
Under Trump’s directive, the USTR is set to submit a report by April 1 on unfair trade practices by US trading partners, along with recommendations for corrective measures that will guide the president’s response.
By Kim Hae-yeon (hykim@heraldcorp.com)
