The Donald Trump administration in the United States reportedly demanded the resolution of non-tariff barrier issues from South Korea during a recent director general-level tariff technical consultation held in Washington, D.C. The demands are said to be related to issues previously pointed out in the National Trade Estimate (NTE) report.
According to relevant government departments on the 25th, the United States raised the 'non-tariff barrier' issue mentioned in the NTE report during the U.S.-South Korea consultations held from the 20th to the 22nd (local time), urging South Korea to take action on the matter. A government official noted, "It is true that the U.S. and South Korea discussed non-tariff issues and the content in the NTE report," adding, "It is difficult to disclose specific details as there is a counterpart in the consultations."
The United States pointed out 'trade-offs' that require conditions such as ▲ restrictions on beef imports from cattle under 30 months of age ▲ import car emission regulations ▲ restrictions on Google's export of precise maps ▲ drug price setting policies ▲ technology transfer during arms imports in its annual NTE report published last March.
Consequently, there is a strong analysis suggesting that the U.S. is likely to focus on the issue of beef import restrictions during these consultations. In this year's NTE report, the U.S. pointed out that, "When South Korea agreed to open its beef market in 2008, it stipulated that only meat from cattle under 30 months of age could be imported, defining it as a 'transitional measure,' and has maintained this stance consistently since then," and noted, "South Korea prohibits the importation of jerky and sausages regardless of age."
Some analysts suggest that rice, which President Trump has repeatedly mentioned, may also be included in the topics of discussion during this consultation. On the 2nd of last month, Trump claimed that, regarding tariff measures on rice imports, "South Korea imposes tariffs ranging from 50% to 513% on imported rice." Currently, South Korea imposes a 5% tariff on U.S. rice and charges a 513% tariff if the import exceeds the low tariff quota (TRQ) of 132,304 tons.
The South Korean delegation is negotiating with the goal of reaching a final agreement following subsequent consultations after the new government's inauguration. In response to the issues raised and demands from the U.S., South Korea is explaining its domestic situation and working to narrow the gaps in understanding. The priority issues raised during the consultations are planned to be communicated to the next government.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that our government emphasized that South Korea is reviewing the non-tariff barriers identified by the U.S. in various ways. South Korea is cautiously reviewing Google's application for the export of precise maps and has previously determined that genetically modified organism (GMO) potatoes from U.S. companies were suitable for cultivation.