Jeonnam Province Reports 5.5% Increase in Seafood Export Value Compared to Previous Year

Surpasses 277 Million Dollars

[Muan=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeonnam Province announced on the 29th that despite difficult conditions such as COVID-19, the export value of seafood surpassed $277 million, an increase of 5.5% compared to the previous year.

Jeonnam's seafood export performance has set record highs for five consecutive years. In particular, Gim, the main export item, led the export growth with $167 million, a 15.2% increase from the previous year.

Other exports include abalone at $42 million, miyeok (seaweed) at $22 million, tot (seaweed) at $16 million, and flatfish at $2 million.

By export country, Japan accounted for $121 million (43.7%), the United States $75 million (27%), China $21 million (7.5%), Canada $12 million (4.4%), and Taiwan $9 million (3.2%), with the top five countries occupying 86% of the total.

Gim, the top seafood export item, is low in calories but rich in nutrients, recognized as a vegan and well-being snack, and continues to see strong demand mainly in Japan and the United States.

The demand for Gim is expected to continue increasing due to the preference for home-use food products influenced by COVID-19.

Accordingly, the province has selected the ‘Gim Export $300 Million Project’ as a strategic industry based on the growth potential of the Gim industry.

By 2024, 227.6 billion KRW will be invested in 18 projects including export-oriented Gim processing technology and product development, strengthening Gim quality and hygiene management, expanding export markets, and expanding research infrastructure.

Wi Gwanghwan, Director of the Marine and Fisheries Bureau of Jeonnam Province, said, “To continuously increase seafood exports, we will focus investment on diversifying export products, reducing management cost burdens, and improving the hygiene environment of production facilities. We will create a stable export environment through the high value-added development of seafood by fostering sustainable future food industries.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.