The U.S. beef industry has called on the Trump administration to push South Korea to ease its restrictions on American beef imports. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, March 13 (Korea Bizwire) — The U.S. beef industry has called on the Trump administration to push South Korea to ease its restrictions on American beef imports, drawing close attention from the South Korean livestock and distribution sectors.
On March 12, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) formally requested that the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) address South Korea’s age restrictions on American beef. Since 2008, South Korea has limited imports to beef from cattle under 30 months old as a safeguard against bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease.
The NCBA argues that South Korea should align with other major markets, including China, Japan, and Taiwan, which have lifted similar restrictions on U.S. beef imports. This is not the first time the U.S. beef industry has pressed for regulatory changes. The USTR has repeatedly highlighted South Korea’s 30-month age limit as a trade barrier in its annual National Trade Estimate (NTE) report.
The Trump administration is required to submit a report to the president by April 1, identifying unfair or non-reciprocal trade practices by key trading partners. Based on this report, Trump is expected to determine further trade actions, which could include formally requesting South Korea to revise its beef import regulations.
If Washington pushes for changes and Seoul agrees to negotiations, South Korea would have to revise its import health standards. However, the process is complex and could take considerable time, as it falls within the purview of veterinary and trade experts.
Some industry analysts believe that lifting the restriction could backfire on U.S. beef exporters. A South Korean livestock industry insider noted, “The 30-month limit reassures local consumers about food safety. If removed, it may lead to consumer distrust and a decline in U.S. beef sales in South Korea.” The source added, “The U.S. beef industry is trying to expand exports, but this move could ultimately be counterproductive.”
South Korea has been the largest importer of U.S. beef in volume terms for four consecutive years. In 2024, the country imported 461,027 tons of foreign beef, with U.S. beef accounting for 221,629 tons, or 48% of the total.
The Korea Hanwoo Association, representing local cattle farmers, strongly opposes lifting the restriction. In a statement, the association declared, “Even if the U.S. government demands the import of beef from cattle over 30 months old, our government and National Assembly must prioritize farmers’ livelihoods and public health by rejecting such a move.” The group warned of collective action if the restriction is removed.
The association expressed concerns that easing the restriction could reignite fears over BSE, negatively impacting the overall beef market and reducing demand for Hanwoo, Korea’s premium domestic beef.
It highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by local farmers, stating, “Over the past two years, 10,000 Hanwoo farms have shut down, accounting for 12% of total cattle farms. With U.S. beef tariffs set to drop to 0% next year under the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA), removing the age restriction would eliminate one of the last protective measures for local farmers.”
Currently, U.S. beef imports face a 2.6% tariff, but under the FTA, this will be fully eliminated in 2026.
In response to growing concerns, South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs stated that it is closely monitoring U.S. trade policy developments and assessing potential impacts on the domestic livestock industry.
The ministry clarified that no formal request from the Trump administration has been made regarding lifting the 30-month age restriction. “The NCBA’s position reflects that of U.S. beef producers lobbying for access in multiple countries, including Australia, the EU, and China. There have been no substantive changes to the long-standing issues previously mentioned in NTE reports,” the ministry said in a statement.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
