1. BILATERAL/MULTILATERAL ISSUES

“We will try to protect sensitive item in Korea – China FTA ” (Korean, WMJ)

http://news.donga.com/3/all/20130709/56353652/1

Summary: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) held a discussion with representatives of agriculture and fisheries industries about Korea - China FTA.  In this meeting, the minister for MOTIE, Yoon disclosed his view.  He said “the benefit from market open is important but the social cost from that is also important, so we are trying to protect sensitive item to the utmost, and we will reinforce the communication with the industries.”   

2. GRAIN & OILSEED ISSUES

<7/5/2013> Re-import the U.S wheat.  (Korean, WMJ)

http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/economy/economy_general/594602.html

Summary: Korea Flour Mills Industrial Association (KOFMIA) disclosed that they decided to re-import the U.S wheat and flour which ceased the import from last May.  The decision came out in the result of the shipment of U.S wheat didn’t contain unapproved GMO wheat at the close inspection.

3. LIVESTOCK ISSUES

The Price of Korean beef recovered last year level. (Korean, WMJ)

http://biz.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2013/07/07/2013070702056.html

Summary: The price of Korean beef that was going down recovered last year level due to the early heat. People consume the Korean beef more for improving their health against the heat.   

4. MARKETING ISSUES

“American Highbush Blueberries Have Arrived”, USHBC Hosts Promotion in Lotte Mart Store, Seoul [Korean, OSY]

http://news.donga.com/3/all/20130708/56352806/1

5. OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES

Korea Customs Service decided to change the way to impose the tariff on agricultural products. (Korean, WMJ)

http://economy.hankooki.com/lpage/economy/201307/e2013070717553270070.htm

Summary: Korea Customs Service (KCS) disclosed that they decided to change the way to impose the tariff on imported agricultural products.  Many importers make a false return of an import price to take a customs evasion.  Because of that situation, KCS plans to change the way to impose tariffs.  According the KCS, customs value will be calculated by an on-the-spot investigation, not declaration of importer anymore.

Import Duties on Agricultural Products will be Calculated Based on Export Country’s Sales Price, KCS [Korean, OSY]

http://www.hankyung.com/news/app/newsview.php?aid=2013070763341

Summary: Korean Customs Service (KCS) announced on July 7 that it will calculate import duties on agricultural products based on price surveys in export countries starting from mid July.  KCS explained that the new method will prohibit importers from down valuing the imported products to lower the import duties.