11/07/07 Korea-U.S. trade agreement

The chess game of world trade has two familiar players going head to head again or should I say still. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll be back in one minute to tell you who's on each side of the table. The United States and South Korea are having quite a time trying to negotiate a free trade agreement. Both countries want the agreement to take effect but ratification is slowing the end result. The U.S. says before approval is gained South Korea must relax and rewrite its beef import rules for U.S. beef. South Korea says no way and the stalemate is on. An article in Western Livestock Reporter relates United States negotiators want South Korea to lift all restrictions on American beef since the World Organization for Animal Health classifies the U.S. as a "controlled risk" country. South Korea says that is only a guideline and doesn't mean a country has to adhere to the recommendation. It seems to me our own USDA has told American producers if the U.S. border is opened to Canadian cattle without restrictions our trading partners will follow that lead. It doesn't look like South Korea bought that logic. South Korea has made some concessions from the stipulation only boneless American beef can be imported and has said it would take bone-in beef such as ribs. Looks like it's the United States move next. This could get interesting, boring or nasty. I'll keep you updated on the match and game plan. I'm Jeff Keane. Western Livestock Report 10/24/07