beef imports

US beef arrives in South Korea for the first time in nearly five years under a new import deal which sparked huge protests.

A week ago, South Korea's president said the country would resume full imports of American beef. Now, he says he won't allow in beef from older cattle — those more than 30 months old.

The backpedaling came after widespread public protest. But the decision could threaten a broader free trade deal.

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After years of diplomatic wrangling, South Korea announced Thursday that it will start inspecting U.S. beef imports.

The move will lead to a full resumption of American beef imports for the first time in four years. A case of mad cow disease in Washington state prompted the nation to close its doors to the imports.

South Korea lifts a ban on US beef imports, despite growing public protests over fears of mad cow disease.