K-Food exports, breaking the 100 billion dollars mark in the shortest time ever... 'Ramen and seaweed devotee'

Published 2025년 10월 1일

Tridge summary

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Yoon-gu = The Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) announced on the 1st that the annual export value of agricultural, fisheries, and food products this year surpassed 10 billion dollars (approximately 14 trillion won) as of the 29th of last month.

This is the first time that the annual export of agricultural, fisheries, and food products has exceeded 10 billion dollars in September. The point at which the 10 billion dollar mark was surpassed is 18 days earlier than last year (October 17).

Among the major export countries, the United States ranked first. Exports to the U.S. amounted to 1.724 billion dollars (approximately 2.4 trillion won), a 15.3% increase from the same period last year.

Europe saw a 15.8% increase to 772 million dollars, and promising markets such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (9.6% increase, 296 million dollars) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (5.6% increase, 461 million dollars) also confirmed the export potential of K-Food.

By item, ramen exports increased by 24.7% to 1.116 billion dollars, driven by popularity in the U.S., Europe, and other regions.

Kimchi exports increased by 3.2% to 125 million dollars.

Seaweed exports increased by 14.1% to 877 million dollars, and grape exports increased by 45.2% to 35 million dollars.

With the spread of Korean restaurants around the world due to the Hallyu wave, sauce exports also increased by 9.2% to 315 million dollars.

To respond to changes in the export environment, the government and aT have implemented strategies such as supporting the resolution of difficulties for exporters, fostering strategic items tailored to each market, and marketing linked to Hallyu trends.

In addition, to minimize the impact of export changes due to changes in the trade environment, such as the imposition of reciprocal tariffs by the U.S., measures have been taken to support emergency operations and facility funds, international transportation costs, and to ease the self-payment rate for exchange rate fluctuation insurance.

aT plans to utilize the overseas diplomatic network to discover promising items that meet local demand and expand overseas consumer touchpoints by the end of the year.

Hong Moon-pyo, President of aT, said, "Now, overseas consumers are recognizing the value of our agricultural, fisheries, and food products and are seeking K-Food," and "We will do our best to ensure that this year's agricultural, fisheries, and food product exports reach a record high, following last year's 12.9 billion dollars, through tailored strategies by item and country."

ykim@yna.co.kr

Original content

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Yoon-gu = The Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) announced on the 1st that the annual export value of agricultural, fisheries, and food products this year surpassed 10 billion dollars (approximately 14 trillion won) as of the 29th of last month. This is the first time that the annual export of agricultural, fisheries, and food products has exceeded 10 billion dollars in September. The point at which 10 billion dollars was surpassed is 18 days earlier than last year (October 17). Among the major export countries, the United States ranked first. Exports to the U.S. amounted to 17 billion 240 million dollars (approximately 24.4 trillion won), a 15.3% increase from the previous year. Europe saw a 15.8% increase to 7 billion 720 million dollars, and promising markets such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (9.6% increase, 2 billion 960 million dollars) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (5.6% increase, 4 billion 610 million dollars) ...
Source: Yna

Would you like more in-depth insights?

Gain access to detailed market analysis tailored to your business needs.
By clicking “Accept Cookies,” I agree to provide cookies for statistical and personalized preference purposes. To learn more about our cookies, please read our Privacy Policy.