Seoul: Further opening of the Korean agricultural and livestock markets has emerged as a major issue in Korea's tariff and trade negotiations with the US. Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo expressed that while trade negotiations in the agricultural sector often involve challenges, strategic decisions could be beneficial for a broader trade agreement. This remark was made during a meeting with reporters discussing the progress of tariff negotiations held during his visit to the US.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Washington is pressuring Seoul to increase imports of US rice, allow beef from cattle aged 30 months or older, import genetically modified organism (GMO) potatoes, and relax quarantine measures on US apples. The Korean government is expected to finalize its proposals for tariff negotiations with the Donald Trump administration this week. However, increasing imports in these sectors is a socially and politically sensitive matter for Korea, as it affects the agricultural industry's foundation, food sovereignty, and the regional economy.

Currently, Korea imports 408,700 metric tons of rice annually from five countries, including the US, at a low tariff rate of 5 percent. The US has a quota of about 132,000 tons, making up 32 percent of Korea's rice imports. To protect its domestic market, Korea imposes a 513 percent tariff on rice imports exceeding the quota. Unlike Japan, Korea has a surplus of rice, making arguments for increased imports less compelling.

Since 2008, Korea has only imported US beef from cattle younger than 30 months due to fears of mad cow disease, yet it remains the world's largest importer of American beef. The US views Korea's restrictions as non-tariff trade barriers, but lifting them could revive past fears and protests.

US-grown GMO potatoes have been deemed safe by Korea's Rural Development Administration, weakening the justification for an import ban. However, importing apples, which make up 23 percent of Korea's fruit cultivation, faces strong opposition due to fears of harmful insects. The government has effectively banned apple imports since 1993.

While proposals for negotiations are still pending, some farmer groups in Korea are already condemning the government for potentially sacrificing agriculture. With a deadline of July 31 for tariff negotiations, persuading farmers remains a challenge. Nevertheless, rejecting all US demands could result in a 25 percent "reciprocal" tariff on Korean exports to the US, potentially shocking the Korean economy.

A flexible approach with selective or conditional acceptance of US demands may be more realistic than outright refusal. If further market opening is unavoidable, the government must consider appropriate compensation for affected farmers.