Source:  Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 3/29/10

South Korea saw a spike in imports of U.S. beef in the first two months of the year, suggesting public concerns about the product's safety have waned, Yonhap News reported, citing data by state-run Korea Agro-Fisheries Trade Corp.

The firm is quoted as saying imports of U.S. beef surged 57.2 percent to 13,802 tons in the January-February period, compared with the same period last year. Value, meanwhile, rose 25 percent to $59 million during the period, the report said.

"Because import figures are calculated on an annual basis, it may be too early to say that consumer confidence in U.S. beef has been fully restored," a corporation official is quoted as saying.

But the Korea Meat Import Association reportedly said misconceptions about U.S. beef safety are subsiding.

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