U.S. beef has captured more than 20 percent of the market in South Korea since imports resumed while Canada remains shut out of the once lucrative market.
Rob McNabb, general manager of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, said it is because of South Korea’s decision to not negotiate with Canada while it completed its negotiations with the United States.
“We had pressed for a simultaneous, or at least concurrent negotiating process, but Korea made it quite clear they weren’t prepared to deal with both Canada and the U.S. at the same time,” said McNabb.
Now that the U.S. is in South Korea, McNabb expects negotiations with Canada will begin and the borders will be open soon.
The U.S. is the second biggest exporter of beef to Korea after Australia. Since July 1, about 4,000 tonnes of U.S. beef have passed inspection. Australia exports about 11,500 tonnes to South Korea.
