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S Korea 'due to lift US beef ban' South Korea relaxes US beef ban
(about 7 hours later)
South Korea has agreed to relax restrictions on beef imports from the US, Seoul's farm ministry says.South Korea has agreed to relax restrictions on beef imports from the US, Seoul's farm ministry says.
The agreement, due to be announced later, could pave the way for US ratification of a trade deal between the two countries. The agreement could pave the way for US ratification of a trade deal between the two countries.
"We are working on fine-tuning details," said a ministry spokesman. Imports of US beef will be expanded gradually, with boned cuts of beef from cattle younger than 30 months allowed in as a first step.
Once the world's third biggest importer of US beef, Seoul currently blocks most imports because of concerns over BSE, or mad cow disease. Seoul blocked most imports of US beef in 2003 because of fears over BSE, or mad cow disease.
An official announcement on the deal is expected at 0900 GMT. Washington had made it clear the ban had to be lifted before Congress could approve a major free trade agreement with South Korea.
Washington has made it clear the ban had to be lifted before Congress could approve a major free trade agreement with South Korea.
BSE fearsBSE fears
The beef deal coincides with the start of a visit to the US by the new South Korean president, Lee Myung-bak.The beef deal coincides with the start of a visit to the US by the new South Korean president, Lee Myung-bak.
On his first official overseas trip, Mr Lee will meet President George W Bush at Camp David later for talks expected to be dominated by the beef issue and North Korea's nuclear disarmament. On his first official overseas trip, Mr Lee will meet President George W Bush at Camp David for talks expected to be dominated by the beef issue and North Korea's nuclear disarmament.
South Korea was the third-largest overseas market for US beef before a 2003 ban triggered by BSE fears. Before introducing the ban, South Korea was the third-largest market for US beef, worth approximately $850m (£424m) annually.
This trade had been worth approximately $850m (£424m) annually. South Korea currently imports only boneless cuts of beef from US cattle.
Although the ban was eased in 2006, restrictions still apply to cattle older than 30 months, as well as bones and other parts that could carry the disease. The farm ministry statement said US beef from cattle older than 30 months will be allowed once the US improves safety standards.
Younger cattle are believed to be less at risk from BSE.
Restrictions on brain and spinal material, which is considered to have a higher risk of BSE, will remain in place.