Hanwoo Association "Opposes Import of US Beef Over 30 Months Old"

"Rising Fears of Mad Cow Disease
Spark Concerns Over Shrinking Beef Market"

Domestic Hanwoo farmers have expressed their opposition to the import of U.S. beef over 30 months of age.

The Korea Hanwoo Association emphasized in a statement on the 12th, "Even if the U.S. government demands the allowance of imports of U.S. beef over 30 months of age, the National Assembly and the government must never accept it, considering the farmers' right to livelihood and the public's right to health." They added, "If the National Assembly and the government forcibly proceed with the import of U.S. beef over 30 months of age, the association will take measures to block it."

Earlier, the U.S. livestock industry requested the U.S. Trade Representative to lift South Korea's restrictions on importing U.S. beef over 30 months of age. There are concerns that the U.S. administration might accept the industry's request and revise quarantine regulations.

Since 2008, South Korea has only imported U.S. beef under 30 months of age, which is considered to have a low risk of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). Regarding this, the Hanwoo Association stated, "BSE has been a major controversy and a very sensitive issue in our country," and added, "There have been a total of seven BSE cases in the U.S., including one case in May 2023." They further expressed concern that "if imports of U.S. beef over 30 months of age are allowed, consumer distrust toward U.S. beef could extend to beef in general, potentially leading to a decrease in Hanwoo consumption."

The Hanwoo Association also pointed out, "The domestic market has collapsed, and Hanwoo farmers have been struggling with deficits for four years, pushed to their limits," and warned, "With U.S. beef tariffs dropping to 0% next year, if the non-tariff barrier of 'age limit' is also removed, there will be no place left for Hanwoo farmers."