The government has successfully resisted U.S. demands to further open its domestic rice and beef markets during recent bilateral trade negotiations. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, July 31 (Korea Bizwire) — In a notable win for South Korea’s agricultural sector, the government has successfully resisted U.S. demands to further open its domestic rice and beef markets during recent bilateral trade negotiations. The move has been welcomed by farmers and industry groups, who had feared the talks would lead to fresh concessions.
Presidential Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom announced on Thursday that the two countries agreed not to expand access to Korea’s rice and beef markets, citing the importance of food security and the sector’s political sensitivity. “We’ve maintained our red lines,” he said, referencing longstanding concerns over domestic food sovereignty.
South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed that agricultural issues were not meaningfully discussed at the negotiating table, effectively excluding the sensitive sectors from compromise.
Officials had reportedly been under significant pressure from the U.S., particularly over the import of beef from cattle older than 30 months and broader market access for American rice.
Negotiators emphasized the political stakes by even presenting photos from the 2008 mass protests in South Korea against U.S. beef imports, underscoring the issue’s volatility. According to government sources, internal discussions were heated, with interagency disputes reflecting the depth of concern about potential backlash.
On July 31, the day South Korea and the United States concluded their tariff negotiations, U.S. beef is displayed at a major supermarket in Seoul. Under the agreement, South Korea will not further open its beef market, maintaining the current import policy for U.S. beef under 30 months of age. (Yonhap)
Agricultural organizations cautiously welcomed the outcome. “We commend the government for defending Korea’s agricultural sovereignty,” said the Korea Advanced Farmers Federation in a statement. However, they also warned that the battle isn’t over, citing unresolved discussions around sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations and market access for apples and genetically modified (LMO) crops.
The United States has been pushing for access to Korea’s apple market for nearly three decades. The import risk analysis remains in its early stages, while an LMO potato recently passed an initial domestic suitability assessment and awaits final safety review.
Farm groups called on the government to remain vigilant. “Concerns persist over LMO import regulations and apple quarantine negotiations,” the federation said. “We urge continued transparency and proactive communication to reassure farmers and consumers.”
While Seoul appears to have held its ground in this round, observers say future talks will test the government’s ability to maintain its agricultural safeguards amid broader trade pressures.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
