Korea’s agricultural exports reached a new milestone through October 2024, underscoring the country’s increasing role in global trade. With a surge in demand for both fresh and processed food items, total agricultural exports rose to $8.18 billion, marking an impressive 8.7% year-over-year growth, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
The rise was particularly notable in processed foods, driven by the global popularity of Korean cuisine and cultural exports. Exports of processed rice products, such as frozen gimbap and ready-to-eat steamed rice, surged by 41.9% to reach $250 million. Instant noodles also saw remarkable growth, with exports increasing by 30% to $1.02 billion as Korean flavors and convenience foods gain appeal in key international markets.
Fresh agricultural products saw consistent growth as well, with exports up 0.5% at $1.23 billion. The popularity of iconic items like kimchi contributed to this, as kimchi exports rose 3.1% to $134 million, affirming its status as a sought-after item among global consumers.
This growth in exports has been particularly strong in Korea’s primary trade markets. Exports to the United States climbed 22.1% to $1.3 billion, while shipments to Southeast Asia rose by 5.3% to reach $1.5 billion. Exports to China increased by 6.9% to $1.24 billion, reflecting sustained demand in the region. Although exports to Japan experienced a slight dip, these numbers emphasize Korea’s solid position across the Asia-Pacific trade network.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plans to continue building on this momentum with dedicated promotional initiatives aimed at enhancing Korea’s presence in global markets. Expanding trade partnerships and facilitating access to Korean agricultural goods are expected to further strengthen Korea’s impact in the international market.
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