"Duty-free U.S. mandarins next year, risk of collapse for Jeju citrus farmers"

(Jeju=Yonhap News) Reporter Baek Na-yong = Concerns are emerging that the citrus industry in Jeju will be hit hard with the impending abolition of tariffs on U.S. citrus fruits, specifically mandarins. The Association of Jeju Agricultural Business Owners, a non-profit organization, issued a statement on the 18th urging, "Protect the citrus farmers at risk of collapse due to the abolition of tariffs on U.S. mandarins." The association stated, "With the enforcement of the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 2012, it was decided to gradually reduce the import tariff rate of U.S. mandarins from 144% at that time by 9.6% annually, and starting next year, there will be no import tariffs." They added, "It is clear that the U.S. mandarins entering the domestic market without tariffs will strangle the livelihoods of Jeju citrus farmers in terms of quantity and price." The association explained, "The actual import volume of U.S. mandarins increased sharply from 0.1 tons in 2017 to 152.1 tons in 2019 and further to 3,999 tons last year." They continued, "In the first half of this year, when the tariff rate dropped to 9.5%, 7,915 tons were imported, which is more than double the amount from last year." They further stated, "Due to the surge in imports of U.S. mandarins this year, the prices of Hallabong in the last two to four months dropped by 20% and those of Chenpi by 28% compared to the same period last year." They argued, "This will directly lead to a sharp decline in Jeju citrus prices and problems with shipment and distribution, and the farmers will bear the full brunt of the damage." The association emphasized, "Before the Jeju citrus industry collapses, realistic survival measures are needed." They urged, "The government needs to quickly establish a practical plan, including creating an income safety net, to protect citrus farmers through special emergency tariffs and ensure their continued farming and survival."