Agriculture minister dismisses further tariff-related pressure from US

SEOUL, February 9 (AJP) - South Korea is unlikely to be pressed to open its agricultural market further beyond the scope of last fall's broader tariff-related deal with the U.S.

Dismissing doubts, Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryeong made the remarks during a press briefing at the government complex in Sejong on Monday, when reporters asked whether South Korea's move to expand imports of American potatoes was made at Washington's request.

She clarified that the imports from about a dozen U.S. states were part of an extension of quarantine procedures that began in 2019 and brushed off farmers' concerns, saying the impact would be minimal.

Song argued that domestically grown potatoes are more competitive in both quality and price than American ones, citing that previous imports from 22 U.S. states did not affect the domestic market.

On the controversial plan to relocate the Korea Racing Authority, the country's equestrian agency, for housing development, which has sparked violent protests from locals in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, she said the government will work with relevant ministries, including Land, Infrastructure and Transport, to find a solution.

Addressing concerns over rising rice prices, she pledged that the government would intervene promptly should prices surge including the immediate release of stockpiles to stabilize the market.

Regarding the government's proposed tax on sugar, Song said the government is still reviewing various scenarios, adding that if the levy only targets sweetened beverages, the impact on inflation would likely be limited.