[Anchor]
Farmer organizations have expressed their approval of the decision not to further open the rice and beef markets in the recent tariff negotiations.
While the government claims to have largely mitigated threats of agricultural market opening, it remains vigilant against any further demands from the U.S.
Report by Da-ye Hwang.
[Report]
Farmer organizations have shown relief at the outcomes of the recent tariff negotiations.
The Coalition to Deter Trump’s Threats and various farmer and civil society groups held an urgent press conference today (31st) around 10:30 a.m. near the U.S. Embassy in Jongno, Seoul.
They welcomed the decision not to further open the rice and beef markets.
The organizations appreciated the government’s efforts in countering the U.S.’s threats to open agricultural markets, stating it was a positive development.
However, they noted that they would keep an eye on further discussions.
[Won-oh Ha/Chairman of the Korean Peasants League: “It is indeed fortunate that there will be no further opening for rice and beef. However, since the negotiations have not yet concluded, we must cautiously watch how the U.S. will proceed with its demands.”]
Farmer organizations have been staging an all-night protest since yesterday, opposing the additional opening of agricultural and livestock markets, as the imposition of mutual tariffs by the U.S. was drawing near.
Previously, President Trump claimed that South Korea agreed to fully open its trade to the U.S., accepting American products, including cars, trucks, and agricultural goods. In response, the Presidential office stated, “Considering food security and the sensitivity of agriculture, we agreed not to further open the domestic rice and beef markets,” and emphasized that no such agreement was reached during ministerial-level talks responsible for negotiations.
This was Hwang Da-ye reporting for KBS News.
Camera: Seok-kyu Choi / Video Editing: Jae-yeon Lee
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