Beef from the United States has reportedly started to clear customs in South Korea today, after prolonged negotiations between the two countries.
While the deal could face political opposition in Washington, for the time being the 5000-odd tonnes of frozen US beef that has been trapped on the wharves since South Korean ban was imposed, is now starting to clear quarantine.
Dealmakers agreed to voluntarily restrict beef shipments to Korea to meat from cows less than 30 months of age. Under the agreement regulators will label all products with an age-verification stamp.
Washington deal makers are reviewing a comprehensive trade agreement with South Korea and this beef issue has been a major sticking point.
In April, Korea agreed to import US beef of any age bone-in and boneless, however massive protests in the country put significant pressure on local authorities to change the terms of the agreement.
Whether lawmakers like the change in the beef rules, or not, could be significant as the overall trade agreement moves forward.
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