News that the South Korean government has reached a deal with US trade representatives that will see the country’s ban on US beef lifted has been greeting by protests in the streets.
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United States Trade Representatives (USTR) confirmed earlier this week that an agreement has been struck to resolve a trade impasse blocking US beef from entering Korea due to fears of BSE contamination.
“Korean beef importers and US exporters have reached a commercial understanding that only US beef from cattle under 30 months of age will be shipped to Korea, as a transitional measure, to improve Korean consumer confidence in US beef,” US Trade Representative Susan Schwab said in a statement.
However, thousands of protestors took to the streets in Seoul overnight today (26 June) to oppose the move.
When the demonstration was blocked from marching on the office of Lee Myung-bak, the South Korean president, some demonstrators attacked police busses, Reuters reported. Police used water cannons to repel the protestors and 120 people were arrested.
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By GlobalDataWhile it looks likely that the official ban on US beef imports will be lifted what remains unclear is whether, with such strong public sentiment against US beef, products will return to the shelves.
The USTR was unavailable for comment as just-food went to press.
