US beef exporters intensify lobbying as Korea weighs lifting age restrictions

US imported beef on sale in a supermarket in Seoul July 15 2025 Yonhap — U.S. beef on sale in a supermarket in Seoul, July 15, 2025/ Yonhap

SEOUL, July 16 (AJP) - American beef exporters are intensifying their lobbying efforts to convince South Korea to lift its 16-year ban on U.S. cattle over 30 months old.

This push comes as Seoul seeks leverage ahead of critical tariff negotiations with Washington.

South Korea has maintained the 30-month age limit on American beef imports since the 2008 bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or "mad cow disease," crisis.

Officials have cited a heightened risk of detecting BSE-linked hazardous materials in older cattle as the reason for the restriction. This barrier has become a central point of contention in U.S. trade pressure.

On March 31, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) highlighted the beef age restriction as one of several non-tariff barriers in its annual National Trade Estimate (NTE) report. The report also noted, "In addition, Korea continues to prohibit the import of processed beef products, including ground beef patties, beef jerky, and sausage, regardless of age."

The global landscape for beef imports has changed significantly in recent years.

Japan lifted similar restrictions in 2019, followed by China in 2020 and Taiwan in 2021. This leaves South Korea, along with Russia and Belarus, as one of the few major markets still imposing age limits on U.S. beef.

U.S. meat industry giants are engaging in what sources describe as comprehensive lobbying efforts targeting the Korean market.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation suggests that lifting the age restriction could generate an additional $175 million in revenue for American exporters.

Beyond beef, the apple market presents another point of contention. The U.S. has sought market access for its apples for 33 years, ever since filing a risk analysis request in 1993. Despite repeated American complaints, Korean quarantine authorities have consistently blocked these efforts.

Domestically, regional governments are mobilizing opposition to agricultural concessions.

The North Gyeongsang Province Council and Cheongsong County Council have issued formal statements demanding the immediate suspension of apple import reviews.

Further protests are planned, with the farmers federation intending to demonstrate against non-tariff barriers outside the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul.

Kim Dong-young davekim0807@ajupress.com