South Korea: K-drinks captivating the world’s taste buds; achieving the highest export and trade balance of all time

Korean drinks are captivating the taste buds of people around the world. Despite the increase in imports this year, the increase in exports was much larger, recording a surplus of more than $400 million. According to the Korea Customs Service on the 31st, the export amount of 'K-beverage' excluding bottled water and alcohol from January to September this year was $529 million, compared to the same period last year. It increased by 6.3% compared to the previous year, reaching an all-time high. Despite an increase in imports ($108 million, 5.2%↑) due to the popularity of the Korean Wave and a health-friendly image, the trade balance recorded a surplus of $421 million. If this trend continues, last year's surplus will be the largest ever by the end of this year (4 It is expected to exceed $95 million) and record a surplus of more than $500 million for the first time. The export volume of 425,000 tons over 9 months is enough to fill an Olympic-size swimming pool 205 times (about 1.7 ...