Amidst the backdrop of impending reciprocal tariffs announced by the Trump administration, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs in South Korea is evaluating strategic responses. The focus is on the potential increase in U.S. potato imports, which has resurfaced as a trade issue. The ministry is considering leveraging the expansion of Korean sweet potato exports to the U.S. as a negotiation tool.
As of April 1, the ministry has initiated strategy formulation through a task force aimed at addressing anticipated trade pressures. Although officially, "there have been no direct requests from the U.S. side," trade experts suggest a "strong possibility that agricultural products will be targeted this time as well."
U.S. potatoes are viewed as the most probable target for increased trade pressure. For over a decade, the U.S. has sought to expand potato exports to South Korea, which currently permits imports from only 22 of the 50 U.S. states. Notably, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon contribute approximately 70% of the import volume. The U.S. aims to include an additional 11 inland states, potentially allowing 90% of U.S. potato production to access the South Korean market.
Furthermore, the Rural Development Administration's recent approval of genetically modified organism (GMO) potatoes as 'suitable' after seven years signals a shift conducive to expanding potato imports. Should GMO potato imports proceed, the overall import structure may undergo substantial changes.
Source: ChosunBiz