ID :
26695
Sun, 10/26/2008 - 19:52
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/26695
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U.S. beef imports up sharply in September: report
By Lee Joon-seung
SEOUL, Oct. 26 (Yonhap) -- U.S. beef imports surged in September, fueled by consumer demand for premium sirloin and rib cuts, a report by the Agro-Fisheries Trade Corp. said Sunday.
The state-run corporation said U.S. imports totaled 7,030 tons worth US$43.98
million, or roughly 35 percent of the total quantity of beef brought into the
country in the one-month period.
In terms of total value, U.S. beef accounted for 43 percent of all imports, as
U.S. cuts fetched higher prices than those imported from Australia and New
Zealand.
South Korea imported 20,253 tons of beef worth $103.13 million last month.
After banning U.S. beef imports outright in December 2003, South Korea allowed
boneless beef into the country in April 2007 before quarantine inspections were
halted in early October that year. The market was finally opened to most U.S.
cuts as of June 26 after a new trade agreement went into effect.
The findings showed U.S. beef imports jumped 126 percent in terms of value and
136 percent in terms of quantity compared to August when inbound shipments
reached $19.45 million and 2,984 tons.
"There is steady increase in demand for beef ribs that are sold at restaurants,"
said an official source at Agro-Fisheries Trade.
He speculated that at present pace, U.S. beef would easily outpace rivals,
especially since the recent gains were made despite the fact that U.S. cuts are
not sold at major retail outlets, department stores or large restaurant chains.
These businesses have said they will not handle U.S. beef to avoid confrontation
with consumer groups who claim that the meat in unsafe to eat. South Korea was
rocked by massive nationwide protests after Seoul agreed to lift the
long-standing ban on U.S. beef on April 18 this year.
Imports of Australian beef, which has been the best-seller in the absence of U.S.
beef, fell to 10,501 tons worth $49.47 million in September. The figure still
represents about 50 percent of all imports, but is lower than the 70 percent
market share the meat enjoyed in May.
New Zealand beef, which ranked second, lost more ground with imports falling to
2,312 tons worth $8.42 million. South Korea also imported small quantities of
beef from Mexico and the Philippines.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)
SEOUL, Oct. 26 (Yonhap) -- U.S. beef imports surged in September, fueled by consumer demand for premium sirloin and rib cuts, a report by the Agro-Fisheries Trade Corp. said Sunday.
The state-run corporation said U.S. imports totaled 7,030 tons worth US$43.98
million, or roughly 35 percent of the total quantity of beef brought into the
country in the one-month period.
In terms of total value, U.S. beef accounted for 43 percent of all imports, as
U.S. cuts fetched higher prices than those imported from Australia and New
Zealand.
South Korea imported 20,253 tons of beef worth $103.13 million last month.
After banning U.S. beef imports outright in December 2003, South Korea allowed
boneless beef into the country in April 2007 before quarantine inspections were
halted in early October that year. The market was finally opened to most U.S.
cuts as of June 26 after a new trade agreement went into effect.
The findings showed U.S. beef imports jumped 126 percent in terms of value and
136 percent in terms of quantity compared to August when inbound shipments
reached $19.45 million and 2,984 tons.
"There is steady increase in demand for beef ribs that are sold at restaurants,"
said an official source at Agro-Fisheries Trade.
He speculated that at present pace, U.S. beef would easily outpace rivals,
especially since the recent gains were made despite the fact that U.S. cuts are
not sold at major retail outlets, department stores or large restaurant chains.
These businesses have said they will not handle U.S. beef to avoid confrontation
with consumer groups who claim that the meat in unsafe to eat. South Korea was
rocked by massive nationwide protests after Seoul agreed to lift the
long-standing ban on U.S. beef on April 18 this year.
Imports of Australian beef, which has been the best-seller in the absence of U.S.
beef, fell to 10,501 tons worth $49.47 million in September. The figure still
represents about 50 percent of all imports, but is lower than the 70 percent
market share the meat enjoyed in May.
New Zealand beef, which ranked second, lost more ground with imports falling to
2,312 tons worth $8.42 million. South Korea also imported small quantities of
beef from Mexico and the Philippines.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)
