Im Miae: "Difficult for the Public to Accept Imports of U.S. Cattle Over 30 Months Old"

U.S. Demands Are Clear, but Acceptance Is Difficult
Restrictions in Place Since 2008 Due to Mad Cow Disease Concerns
Issue Should Be Addressed as a Matter of Consumer Health and Safety

On July 16, Im Miae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed opposition to easing restrictions on the import of U.S. beef. She stated that while it is clear the U.S. side has proposed negotiations to allow imports of cattle over 30 months old, it is difficult to accept such a proposal.

In an interview with MBC Radio on the same day, Im addressed the issue of the ban on importing U.S. cattle over 30 months old, which has become a Korea-U.S. trade issue due to concerns about mad cow disease. She explained, "It would be better to distinguish between what the government is reviewing and what the U.S. side is demanding," and added, "The U.S. side's demand is clear."

Im stated, "Due to the mad cow disease crisis, it was decided after 2008 that only cattle under 30 months old would be imported," and continued, "If this restriction is lifted, the U.S. also needs to closely examine what impact it might have on the market from their perspective. There are even suggestions that the U.S. should consider whether there will only be positive effects within Korea." She pointed out that if the age restriction is removed, the trust that has been built in U.S. beef over the years could be undermined.

Im Miae, elected member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at the National Assembly on the 13th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

In particular, Im commented on ground beef (processed meat) that could be used in hamburger patties, stating, "This is not just an issue for Korean farmers, but a matter of consumer health and safety, so the U.S. also needs to thoroughly examine and judge what impact this might have." She added, "There are concerns about whether the Korean government can withstand this if U.S. President Donald Trump, who is unpredictable, tries to use this (the U.S. beef import issue) as leverage in negotiations." She continued, "It's not just about ground or processed beef coming in; so-called by-products could also be imported. If such a situation becomes inevitable, Korea's domestic system for handling by-products would also need to be comprehensively overhauled."

She also expressed concern about public opinion. "It is difficult for the public to accept," she said, adding, "If the government conducts such negotiations as it did last time, I believe it will be difficult for the public to bear."