Ag shippers to benefit from U.S.-South Korea free trade deal

Ag shippers to benefit from U.S.-South Korea free trade deal    U. Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said American shippers of agricultural products should benefit from a U.S.-South Korea free trade agreement.
   “The United States provides a fifth of Korea’s agricultural imports and that would significantly increase under a free trade agreement that would enhance market access and eliminate remaining trade barriers for U.S. exports,' Johanns said in a statement.
   In 2004, Korea imported $10.6 billion in agricultural products. The country imports significant amounts of U.S. corn, soybeans, wheat, processed foods, cotton, citrus, nuts and fruit juices, Johanns said.
   President Bush announced on Feb. 2 that the United States will begin talks to develop a free trade agreement with South Korea.