U.S. Meat Exports to Korea Face New Round of COVID-19 Restrictions

In an effort to contain a recent wave of COVID-19 cases, the government of South Korea has re-imposed heightened social distancing requirements in the Seoul metropolitan area, including restrictions on some food and beverage providers and a suspension of large gatherings.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom explains that while this situation presents a challenge for U.S. beef in one of its largest international destinations, the reduction in sit-down dining can be partially offset by growth in retail beef purchases and through advancements in takeout and delivery services developed during the pandemic.

2020 has been a challenging year for U.S. pork exports to Korea, primarily due to an increase in domestic pork production. But Halstrom says U.S. pork continues to capitalize on Koreans' rapidly growing appetite for home meal replacement items and other products that emphasize consumer convenience.

Source: USMEF