Korea reopened its market to U.S. beef last year and sales have been improving. Imports were initially restricted to beef from animals less than 30 months old; imports of from animals over 30 months were to be allowed when public attitudes improved enough to make it possible. When will Washington seek access for the older animals: Age issue next likely challenge for U.S. beef imports. After the current Korea-Canada beef controversy is over?
The issue for US and Canada's economic interests are certainly most important.
But it would be very unreasonnable to forget about the demonstrations and the political maelstrom which hit South Korean governement last year when it decided to resume imports of US beef.
It would be a very strong mistake for the US to twist the arms of Korean governement to resume imports from US of over 30 months beef.
This would cause a destablisation of the pro-US korean president at the very moment when North Korea is getting aggressive and increasing pressure (for wahtever reason that is ont the point here ) on South Korea
I think this would cost to the US influence in Korea in political terms much more than the Us farmers would win
Posted by: minhd111 | June 29, 2009 at 02:43 PM