S. Korea trade pact spurred big gains for U.S. agriculture, USTR says

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2015 – The U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), which went effect three years ago this weekend,  has meant big gains for U.S. agriculture, according to the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office (USTR).

USTR today released statistics showing U.S. agricultural exports to South Korea grew 31.2 percent last year, or seven times faster than average ag export growth with the rest of the world. The total value of those shipments was $6.9 billion.

In a call with reporters, Acting Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Wendy Cutler cited tariff cuts and “other agricultural restrictions that were lifted under KORUS” as reasons for jump.

Fruits and nuts have also fared well. Shelled almond exports have grown $130 million (2014 exports: $204 million) and cherries by $76 million (2014 exports: $116 million). Wine and beer exports have also benefited, up $12 million (2014 exports: $30 million).

Overall, KORUS increased total U.S. exports to South Korea, including agriculture, to a record $44.5 billion in 2014, up 6.8 percent from 2013. Total commerce between the U.S. and South Korea has risen from $126.5 billion in 2011 to $145.2 billion in 2014, USTR said.

While KORUS has proven beneficial on many fronts, Cutler noted several implementation hurdles are still to be overcome. They include origin verification, financial services and automotive issues, she said.

USTR’s presentation came as negotiators from the U.S. and 11 other Pacific Rim nations met in Hawaii to continue talks on a potential trade agreement called the Trans-Pacific Partnership. South Korea is not currently in TPP negotiations, but Cutler said the Asian nation has expressed interest in possibly joining the agreement at some point.

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