Larsen Applauds Decision to Open Korean Market to U.S. Beef
For Immediate Release
Contact: Amanda Mahnke
(202) 225-2605
April 18, 2008
Washington, D.C. — United States Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab announced today that South Korea has agreed to reopen their market to U.S. beef and beef products. U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:
“I applaud Ambassador Schwab and the South Korean government for reaching an agreement to bring U.S. beef from cattle of all ages back to the South Korean market. Washington state cattle producers, like those across the United States, are proud of the safe, high-quality beef products they produce and it is due time for this market to be open.
“This decision represents an important step forward in the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement. South Korea is currently the fifth largest market for Washington state goods and services and the seventh largest market for all U.S. goods and services. A free trade agreement with Korea will open up even more opportunities for Washington state farmers, ranchers and businesses.”
South Korea closed its market to U.S. beef and beef products in December 2003 and briefly re-opened it in January 2006. In 2003, South Korea was the second largest beef export market for U.S. cattle, totaling $754 million in exports.
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