Record High Kimchi Exports in the First Half Amid K-Food Craze

23.9 Million Tons in the First Half... Record High
Especially Popular in Western Countries like the US, Canada, and the UK
Stable Growth Continues Even After the COVID-19 Boom

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Thanks to the global K-food craze, kimchi exports in the first half of this year reached an all-time high.

According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation's Agricultural Food Export Information (KATI) and the Korea Customs Service's export-import trade statistics on the 4th, kimchi exports in the first half of this year amounted to 23,900 tons, a 4.8% increase compared to the same period last year. This is the largest scale ever recorded. With a continuous upward trend over the past 10 years, the volume has doubled compared to 11,500 tons in 2015. In terms of export value, it reached 83.8 million USD (approximately 114.1 billion KRW), the second highest ever following 86.73 million USD in 2021.

Exports to Western countries, especially the United States, increased significantly. The U.S. export volume was 6,600 tons, a 20% increase compared to the same period last year. It has steadily increased from 4,000 tons in 2021, 5,170 tons in 2022, to 5,470 tons last year. Exports to the Netherlands also rose by 34% compared to the first half of last year, reaching 1,300 tons. Canada recorded a 34% increase during the same period, with exports totaling 900 tons.

In terms of export value, the U.S. achieved a record high of 24.1 million USD, an 18.9% increase compared to the same period last year. The Netherlands (37.3%), the United Kingdom (65.3%), and Canada (41.6%) also saw export values increase by more than 30%.

However, for Japan, the largest kimchi export market, export volume actually decreased by 11.9%. Export value also declined by 16.1% during the same period, totaling 28.3 million USD. This is attributed to the weak yen exchange rate situation.

The industry analyzed that the spread of K-content and the growing demand for health foods such as fermented and vegan products in the U.S. and Europe were particularly effective. The Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation explained, "Interest in fermented foods is steadily growing, especially centered on the U.S.," and added, "Although the scale is small, export values are rapidly increasing in Europe due to the influence of the K-content and K-food craze."

Kimchi also benefited from the "COVID-19 special" overseas, recognized as a health food that boosts immunity. Annual kimchi export volume surged from 29,628 tons in 2019 to 39,750 tons in 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Going forward, the demand for kimchi is expected to continue rising along with the Hallyu wave. Except for Japan, demand has steadily increased in the top export countries even after the COVID-19 special period. While exports to Japan have stagnated, the market is expanding mainly in the U.S. and Europe.

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