U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez told reporters Monday that the U.S. understands that it has been very difficult for Seoul to get this far in terms of importing American beef products. Earlier in June, Seoul and Washington agreed that South Korea would only import U.S. beef from cattle less than 30 months old.

Gutierrez made the comment after being asked if the U.S. expects Seoul to seek imports of beef from cattle of all ages based on the initial beef deal.

The commerce secretary added that he recognizes President Lee Myung-bak's efforts to push the beef deal through.

Source: KBS Global