Imported prices of beef, pork jump in June

Prices of imported beef and pork in South Korea jumped in June from a year earlier, adding to growing inflationary pressure in Asia's fourth-largest economy, the customs office said Friday. According to data provided by Korea Customs Service, the prices of imported beef stood at 7,652 won (US$7.2) per kilogram, up 14.6 percent from a year earlier. Prices of pork stood at 3,616 won per kilogram, up 2.7 percent from a year earlier. Prices of beef and pork have been closely monitored here since their hikes could add to already high inflation. South Korea's consumer prices jumped 4.4 percent in June from a year earlier amid higher food and oil costs. South Korea has been seeking to keep inflation under control by temporarily cutting import tariffs on pork and other daily food materials.