Baucus urges for Korea’s removal of restrictions on US beef

South Korea limits U.S. beef to animals younger than 30 months old over concerns of mad cow disease. The free-trade agreement calls for eliminating Korea’s tariffs on beef over 15 years. 

Meanwhile, Baucus and those representing the beef industry argue that U.S. beef is safe. 

In addition to Korea, the USTR’s National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers identifies several other trading partners that impose barriers affecting U.S. beef exports, including China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. 

“U.S. ranchers and farmers count on us to fight the restrictions limiting their market access and preventing their businesses from growing and hiring new workers, and that’s exactly what this report makes clear we need to do — in Korea and across the globe,” Baucus said.

Lawmakers also are concerned beef exports will be hampered until the pending free-trade agreements with Panama and Colombia are completed. 

During a Wednesday hearing in the House Ways and Means Committee’s Trade subcommittee, several lawmakers including Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-Kansas) said the Obama administration needs to complete negotiations with Panama and Colombia to help U.S. beef exporters. 

Miriam Sapiro, U.S. deputy trade representative, agreed the free-trade agreements will help exports of agricultural products, as well as beef. 

Sapiro said Wednesday she’s meeting with Panamanian trade officials Wednesday and they are working toward legislative solutions regarding several outstanding issues, including labor relations.

Despite prompting from several lawmakers, she wouldn’t provide a timeline for completion of Colombia and Panama agreements, although she said they’re edging closer. 

The USTR report also said achieving full market access for U.S. beef exports to Korea remains a top priority and the U.S. government will continue urging Korea to open its market fully, consistent with science and international standards.

Baucus has urged Korea to agree to consultations with the United States to develop a road map leading to full-market access for U.S. beef from cattle of all ages.