As the government officially considers joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), opposition from agricultural groups is growing. They argue that further opening of agricultural and fishery markets could undermine domestic production and threaten food security. Experts emphasize that the government should first commit to fostering agriculture as a national strategic industry before pursuing CPTPP membership.
High Tariff Elimination Rates... Potential Imports from Non-FTA Countries
On August 24, the Korean Federation of Agricultural Management Associations and the Korean Federation of Fisheries Management Associations held a press conference at the National Assembly, expressing their concerns following the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's announcement of a review of CPTPP membership. They stated, "The unilateral push for this policy is raising significant concerns in the agricultural sector, and we will respond strongly to protect the food sovereignty of the nation and the survival rights of farmers and fishermen."
The agricultural community is particularly worried about the potential acceleration of market openings during the CPTPP membership process. The CPTPP has a higher tariff elimination rate for agricultural products compared to existing free trade agreements (FTAs), and it is difficult to set exceptions. The Korean Federation of Agricultural Management Associations noted, "Significant challenges are expected regarding additional opening demands during the negotiation process, as well as adjustments to existing agreements."
There is also a high likelihood that agricultural and fishery products from countries without FTAs will enter the market at lower tariffs. Currently, 12 countries, including the UK, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, and Mexico, are participating in the CPTPP. South Korea has not signed FTAs with some of these countries, including Mexico. However, if South Korea joins the CPTPP, products like Mexican chili and avocados could enter the country duty-free.
Concerns about weakened food sovereignty and compromised food safety are also being raised. The Korean Federation of Agricultural Management Associations warned that the additional opening of agricultural and fishery markets could lead to the collapse of domestic agricultural production, ultimately weakening the nation's food sovereignty. They expressed concern that further market openings for Japanese seafood could seriously threaten food safety, especially given ongoing safety controversies surrounding the release of contaminated water from Fukushima.
The agricultural community is particularly worried about the potential acceleration of market openings during the CPTPP membership process. The CPTPP has a higher tariff elimination rate for agricultural products compared to existing free trade agreements (FTAs), and it is difficult to set exceptions. The Korean Federation of Agricultural Management Associations noted, "Significant challenges are expected regarding additional opening demands during the negotiation process, as well as adjustments to existing agreements."
There is also a high likelihood that agricultural and fishery products from countries without FTAs will enter the market at lower tariffs. Currently, 12 countries, including the UK, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, and Mexico, are participating in the CPTPP. South Korea has not signed FTAs with some of these countries, including Mexico. However, if South Korea joins the CPTPP, products like Mexican chili and avocados could enter the country duty-free.
Concerns about weakened food sovereignty and compromised food safety are also being raised. The Korean Federation of Agricultural Management Associations warned that the additional opening of agricultural and fishery markets could lead to the collapse of domestic agricultural production, ultimately weakening the nation's food sovereignty. They expressed concern that further market openings for Japanese seafood could seriously threaten food safety, especially given ongoing safety controversies surrounding the release of contaminated water from Fukushima.
KREI Estimates Potential Annual Losses of Up to 440 Billion Won... Rice Opening is a Key Concern
If CPTPP membership becomes a reality, there are analyses suggesting that farmers' agricultural incomes could decline. The elimination of tariffs on cheaper imported agricultural products could further squeeze the market for domestic products, particularly for rice farmers.
The Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI) projected during a public hearing in 2022 that joining the CPTPP could result in annual losses ranging from 85.3 billion to 440 billion won in the agricultural sector over 15 years. The potential entry of agricultural powerhouses as new members could exacerbate these losses. KREI emphasized that if China joins the CPTPP, additional damages across all agricultural sectors, including fruits and vegetables, are expected.
The expansion of agricultural imports could lead to a decrease in farmers' incomes. According to national data, agricultural income over the past five years has remained stagnant, with figures of 12.96 million won in 2021, 9.49 million won in 2022, 11.14 million won in 2023, 9.58 million won in 2024, and 11.71 million won in 2025. In this context, the opening of agricultural markets is seen as a factor hindering income growth.
The distribution of imported rice is also a major concern for farmers. The GSnJ Institute noted in a 2022 report that Vietnam, a major rice-exporting country, is likely to be interested in the South Korean market. They pointed out that South Korea excluded rice from the scope of the Korea-Vietnam FTA, and negotiations on market access with Vietnam during the CPTPP membership talks are expected to be a hot topic.
Experts stress that the government must first work to persuade farmers before pursuing CPTPP membership. Kim Han-ho, a professor emeritus at Seoul National University, stated, "The agricultural cooperation fund established during the Korea-China FTA in 2015 has only reached about 30%. The government must recognize this reality and prioritize persuading farmers."
He added, "In the era of climate crisis, advanced countries are approaching agriculture from a security perspective, similar to defense industries. Just as the U.S. Congress is promoting the 'Farm-Food-National Security Act,' our government must first promise the agricultural community to elevate agriculture as a national strategic industry."
The Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI) projected during a public hearing in 2022 that joining the CPTPP could result in annual losses ranging from 85.3 billion to 440 billion won in the agricultural sector over 15 years. The potential entry of agricultural powerhouses as new members could exacerbate these losses. KREI emphasized that if China joins the CPTPP, additional damages across all agricultural sectors, including fruits and vegetables, are expected.
The expansion of agricultural imports could lead to a decrease in farmers' incomes. According to national data, agricultural income over the past five years has remained stagnant, with figures of 12.96 million won in 2021, 9.49 million won in 2022, 11.14 million won in 2023, 9.58 million won in 2024, and 11.71 million won in 2025. In this context, the opening of agricultural markets is seen as a factor hindering income growth.
The distribution of imported rice is also a major concern for farmers. The GSnJ Institute noted in a 2022 report that Vietnam, a major rice-exporting country, is likely to be interested in the South Korean market. They pointed out that South Korea excluded rice from the scope of the Korea-Vietnam FTA, and negotiations on market access with Vietnam during the CPTPP membership talks are expected to be a hot topic.
Experts stress that the government must first work to persuade farmers before pursuing CPTPP membership. Kim Han-ho, a professor emeritus at Seoul National University, stated, "The agricultural cooperation fund established during the Korea-China FTA in 2015 has only reached about 30%. The government must recognize this reality and prioritize persuading farmers."
He added, "In the era of climate crisis, advanced countries are approaching agriculture from a security perspective, similar to defense industries. Just as the U.S. Congress is promoting the 'Farm-Food-National Security Act,' our government must first promise the agricultural community to elevate agriculture as a national strategic industry."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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