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“We’re extremely encouraged that the administration is making it clear to Congress that it’s time to finally move forward on this critical trade deal,” said Steve Foglesong, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (N.C.B.A.) president. “The K.O.R.U.S. F.T.A. could potentially be one of the most significant bilateral agreements in our history.”
The K.O.R.U.S. F.T.A. would reduce South Korea’s current tariff from 40% to zero over 15 years if implemented. The U.S. beef industry would see $15 million in new tariff benefits in the first year alone, with about $325 million in tariff reductions annually once fully implemented. In 2003, U.S. beef producers sold $815 million in beef, beef variety meats and processed beef products to Korea. If K.O.R.U.S. enters into force, South Korea could eventually be a $1 billion market for U.S. beef producers.
With other countries like Australia moving forward on trade agreements with South Korea, it’s more important than ever that Congress take immediate action on K.O.R.U.S. “If Australia were to successfully ratify a similar bilateral trade agreement with South Korea a year before we do, it would give the Australians a 2.67% tariff advantage over U.S. beef for the next 15 years,” Mr. Foglesong said. “This would be devastating to the U.S. beef industry, and sadly, the losses would be of our own doing.
“As demonstrated by the recent agreement allowing China to resume imports of Canadian beef, we can't afford to sit on the sidelines while other countries move forward on trade negotiations,” he added. “China represents one of the largest potential growth markets for our industry, worth in excess of $200 million. “The China-Canada beef deal is evidence of the United States’ lack of engagement on trade issues over the past six years. There’s no reason why American beef producers shouldn’t have the same access to China that Canadians now have.
“[Today], 10%, or approximately 12 million American jobs, depend on exports,” he said. “With 96% of the world’s consumers living outside U.S. borders, it’s critical that we expand our opportunities to sell beef in the international marketplace if we want to keep American family farms in business.
“With the U.S. economy continuing to suffer, and with other countries outpacing us in the race to ratify new trade agreements, it's time for Congress to move forward and take action,” said Foglesong. “Every day that passes without progress puts American jobs and market share at risk.”
In addition to K.O.R.U.S., N.C.B.A. is also calling on Congress to move forward on F.T.A.s with Colombia and Panama. For each day Congress delays in approving the Colombia F.T.A., American exporters overall pay $2 million in unnecessary tariffs.”
