Trade Negotiations Heat Up Over Apple Imports

The Korean government is contemplating the import of U.S. apples as a strategic move in ongoing trade negotiations. With the deadline for delaying reciprocal tariffs looming on July 8, pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified, threatening tariffs of up to 70%. In response, Korea is considering lifting agricultural product quarantine measures, a non-tariff barrier, as a negotiation tactic.

Decades of Quarantine Stalemate

For over 33 years, the U.S. has been stuck in the second stage of an eight-stage quarantine process for apple imports to Korea, initiated in 1993. The primary concern has been the potential impact on domestic farmers, with apples being the most produced fruit in Korea, occupying 23.3% of the nation's open-field fruit cultivation area.

U.S. Criticizes Korea's Non-Tariff Barriers

The U.S. has repeatedly identified Korea's risk analysis procedure for agricultural imports as a significant non-tariff barrier. The 2025 National Trade Barriers Report highlighted pending market access requests for apples and potatoes, urging Korea to expedite approval procedures.

Domestic Concerns and International Pressure

Domestic apple farmers fear income losses if U.S. apples, the world's second-largest producer, enter the Korean market. The Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement imposes a 0% tariff on most U.S. apples, exacerbating these concerns. Meanwhile, trade officials are preparing for last-minute negotiations in Washington, D.C., aiming to address the trade deficit through measures including agricultural product imports and LNG purchases.