Kimchi Imports Hit All-Time High… Eating Up Restaurants

Published 2025년 2월 4일

Tridge summary

The article highlights the growing trade of kimchi, a traditional Korean dish, both as imports and exports, with projections showing record-breaking numbers in 2024. Despite concerns about the safety of imported kimchi and its potential impact on household consumption, demand remains high due to lower prices. The trade deficit resulting from the significant difference in import and export values underscores the preference for domestic kimchi among households despite its higher cost. Efforts are being made to broaden the reach of vegan and room-temperature kimchi, finding success in markets like the United States and the Netherlands. The need for government policies and initiatives to address the price disparity and support domestic kimchi producers is emphasized to ensure the sustainability of the local industry in the face of increasing competition from imported products.
Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Last year, 311,570 tons were imported Chinese prices are only 1/4 of domestic prices Concerns over increased usage in the long term Exports have also steadily increased Trade deficit of $26.3 million Both exports and imports of kimchi are showing an upward trend. The kimchi industry predicted that the increase in kimchi imports would not have a significant impact on household consumption due to safety issues, but it is argued that government policies should be established to allow domestic kimchi to be consumed at major consumers such as restaurants. According to the Korea Customs Service's export and import trade statistics, kimchi imports in 2024 will reach 311,570 tons, the highest ever. In the case of kimchi imports, it has been continuously increasing, from 281,186 tons in 2020 to 246,006 tons in 2021, 263,434 tons in 2022, and 286,545 tons in 2023, with only a slight decrease in 2021 due to the spread of COVID-19. Kimchi exports are also increasing. Kimchi exports, ...
Source: Agrinet

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