World Trade Organization

• Author: International Law Group

On July 31, 2000, the World Trade Organization (WTO) circulated a Report of the Dispute Settlement Panel in the U.S.-Korean dispute over Korean import restrictions on fresh, chilled, and frozen beef.

The U.S. alleges, in essence, that Korea restricts beef imports by allowing its distribution only through a few government and commercial bodies, and improperly supports the national cattle industry.

The U.S. had first asked for consultations with Korea on February 1, 1999. After unsuccessful discussions in which Australia, Canada and New Zealand also took part, the WTO set up a Dispute Settlement Panel on July 26, 1999.

The Panel concludes, among other things, that:

(a) While some of Korea's import restrictions did fall under the transitional period granted by its WTO accession agreement, Korea must nevertheless get rid of them by January 1, 2001.

(b) Korea's dual retail system for beef (including the obligation for...