Smith Welcomes Full Reopening of Korean Market to U.S. Beef

Statement

Smith Welcomes Full Reopening of Korean Market to U.S. Beef

GRAND ISLAND, NE- Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today issued the following statement on the agreement to fully reopen South Korea's market to U.S. beef exports consistent with international standards and World Animal Health Organization (OIE) guidelines.

"This is terrific news for beef producers in Nebraska. The reopening of these markets to all U.S. beef and beef products will be a tremendous opportunity for our state. Since 2003, we have been locked out of a major marketplace, and it is high time these doors are reopened.

"Safe, high-quality U.S. beef should have access to as many markets as possible, and I'm pleased this market has been reopened to Nebraska ag producers, especially in light of last week's disappointing move to shelve the Colombia trade agreement," Smith said.

South Korea closed its market to U.S. beef and beef products after a case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) was discovered in the United States in December 2003. At the time, South Korea was the third-largest export market for U.S. beef and beef products, importing $815 million worth of beef and beef products.

The new protocol, which will take effect in mid-May, defines conditions for importation of U.S. beef to South Korea and provides for a full reopening of the market. It is fully consistent with OIE guidelines and will permit all U.S. beef and beef products from cattle of all ages to be exported to Korea, with appropriate Specified Risk Materials, as defined by the OIE, removed.

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