IDFA's Hough Testifies at Hearing on US-Korea Free Trade Agreement

At a public hearing last week conducted by the Trade Policy Staff Committee, an interagency body chaired by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, IDFA Senior Vice President and General Counsel Clay Hough reiterated the importance of such agreements to U.S. dairy processors. "South Korea is of strategic importance to U.S. dairy. We believe that the U.S.-South Korean Free Trade Agreement can be a win-win for U.S. and South Korean processors, farmers and consumers." Hough urged negotiators to pursue a comprehensive deal that would eliminate dairy tariffs and non-tariff barriers. Last year, South Koreans imported about $58 million worth of dairy products from the United States — about 25% of Korea's total dairy imports. "The United States is uniquely positioned to gain real market access preferences in South Korea," Hough said. Click here to read Hough's full testimony. To provide input on your company's priorities in Korea, contact Helen Medina at (202) 220-3507 or hmedina@idfa.org.

Posted March 20, 2006