Livestock Group: "Import Meat Tariff Quotas Only Hurt Domestic Livestock Prices... Must Be Withdrawn"

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Son Seonhee] As the government applies a zero tariff (0%) on imported pork and beef as part of its price stabilization measures, domestic livestock organizations have demanded an immediate withdrawal, saying, "Imported prices have not been controlled at all, while only domestic livestock prices are being crushed."

The 'Emergency Countermeasures Committee to Protect Livestock Livelihoods,' composed of nine livestock organizations including the Korea Hanwoo Association and the Korea Pork Producers Association, issued a statement on the 28th, saying, "Contrary to the government's position that tariff-free imported livestock products would benefit consumers, prices have not dropped at all even after the zero tariff implementation, providing no benefit to consumers. On the contrary, prices have risen by about 4%, proving that this policy was wrong."

They added, "Not long after the implementation of tariff-free imported meat, domestic livestock prices have already fallen sharply," and argued, "Livestock farmers are facing more difficulties than ever due to soaring feed costs, and the accelerated price decline of livestock products caused by tariff exemption combined with the government's lack of measures on feed prices has brought them to an unbearable situation."

The committee further condemned the current government, saying, "The government is only focused on stabilizing grocery prices, pressuring livestock farmers, and showing no interest in stabilizing feed prices," and demanded, "Withdraw the tariff exemption on imported livestock products and prepare measures for feed costs."

They also announced that they will hold a 'General Rally to Protect Livestock Livelihoods' near Seoul Station around 1:30 PM on the 11th of next month.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.