Washington, D.C. - Congressman Kevin Brady (R-Texas) today welcomed the announcement of a beef agreement with South Korea that will allow shipments of U.S. beef to re-enter the booming South Korean market.  South Korea shut its doors to U.S. beef after a December 2003 outbreak of mad cow disease, but refused to fully open again even after an international food safety organization ruled U.S. beef safe.  

“Today’s announcement will mean major sales for U.S. ranchers, and sets America up to take the next step in the pending U.S. – Korea trade agreement,” said Brady. “Texas business owners, farmers, and ranchers will be able to sell more of their products in Korea, the 10th largest market in the world. This time, Congress can not afford to actively block this agreement.”

Before the ban, Korea was the third largest sales market for U.S. beef, valued at over $800 million a year. Texas alone is the world’s 4th largest supplier of beef, and has the second largest amount of total sales to South Korea.

An opening of beef trade to South Korea removes one of the concerns blocking consideration of a U.S. - South Korea Free Trade Agreement. Currently there are up to 40% tariffs levied on beef trade, which under the FTA would be removed.

Two-way trade between the United States and Korea continues to be strong, valued at over $80 billion last year alone.   By eliminating tariffs and other trade barriers and strengthening protections for U.S. companies, the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement will expand trade and investment further. 

From his seat on the Trade Sub-committee, Congressman Brady has worked tirelessly for free trade. He is recognized as one of the top leaders on trade issues in Congress, having successfully led the fight to approve the U.S.-Central American Free Trade Agreement.