Seoul: South Korean farmers and civic groups on Thursday expressed approval over the exclusion of rice and beef from the latest trade agreement with the United States. They emphasized the significance of this development during a rally held near the U.S. Embassy in central Seoul, highlighting that the government has assured no further opening of these markets.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Seoul government announced that it has successfully safeguarded the country's rice and beef markets in the trade deal with the U.S., despite experiencing substantial pressure to open these markets further. This move has been seen as a major success in averting agricultural liberalization, a challenge that no previous administration had decisively addressed.
Anticipating further negotiations before President Lee Jae Myung's summit talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in two weeks, the farmers and civic groups called on President Lee to maintain a firm stance against any future demands. Ha Won-oh, the standing representative of Farmers' Road, expressed cautious optimism about the ongoing negotiations. He emphasized the importance of protecting agricultural policies that support farmers' livelihoods, regardless of the pressure exerted.