South Korean Rice Processed Food Exports Surge 45.8%, Hit Record High for Same Period, Yet Dependence on US Reaches 56.8%

According to data released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Rural Economy and Agricultural Trade Corporation (aT) on August 18, South Korea's exports of rice-processed food surged 45.8% year-on-year to $166.12 million in the January-July period, setting a new record high for the same period.

During the period, South Korea's exports to the US reached $9.437 million, up 68%, accounting for 56.8% of the total exports. A related official at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries pointed out that the continued focus on health food and the Korean wave has driven significant growth in rice-processed food exports. The popularity of frozen kimbap, ready-to-eat rice, and glutinous rice products in overseas markets has been rising as home-cooked meal replacements and gluten-free diet trends gain traction.

South Korea's exports of rice-processed food have been growing steadily since 2015, with the figure surpassing $100 million for the first time in 2019 and reaching over $200 million in 2023. Based on current trends, it is expected that the annual exports of rice-processed food will set a new record high this year.