South Korean minister rejects claim of W80b wasted on Brazilian egg imports

What happened: Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung rejected claims the government wasted 80 billion won importing Brazilian eggs, saying imports totaled 1.6 billion won and aimed to diversify supply. Key numbers: Claimed waste 80 billion won ($60 million); actual imports 1.6 billion won; 1.12 million Brazilian eggs imported this year, about 0.8 percent of total egg imports. Why it matters: Song said the trial imports ease shortages and prices after avian influenza outbreaks and establish a Southern Hemisphere supplier, reducing reliance on the United States. She called the allegations false.

Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung rejected claims the government wasted 80 billion won importing Brazilian eggs, saying imports totaled 1.6 billion won and aimed to diversify supply.

Song said the trial imports ease shortages and prices after avian influenza outbreaks and establish a Southern Hemisphere supplier, reducing reliance on the United States. She called the allegations false.