South Korea

Korea has been Canada’s second largest export market in Asia - behind Japan. Koreans purchased approximately $60 million of Canadian beef in 2002 prior to BSE.

Since November 2008, Korea has stalled the process of re-establishing trade with Canada.

Through January and February 2009, Ministers Ritz and Day informed Korea on several occasions of the need to re-establish trade. This culminated with a personal visit by Minister Ritz to Seoul on March 20 to advice that Canada expects beef trade to be re-established by March 31.

Korea failed to respond to the ultimatum and Canada requested World Trade Organization consultations on April 9, 2009.

We find it entirely unjustified and unacceptable that Korea restored access for U.S. beef in 2008, but remains closed to Canadian beef. Canadian and U.S. beef share the same risk profile as recognized by the World Animal Health Organization (OIE).