Last year’s kimchi export volume was ‘largest ever’… Japan bought the most

Published 2025년 1월 12일

Tridge summary

South Korea's kimchi exports hit a record high in 2024 with a volume of 47,100 tons, marking a 6.9% increase from the previous year, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The export value also rose by 5.2% to $163.6 million. The growing popularity of 'K-Food' and the health benefits of kimchi have contributed to its increasing global appeal, with the number of importing countries reaching 95 in 2023. Despite a decrease in exports to Japan due to price competition with locally produced kimchi and the effects of the yen's depreciation, the United States, the Netherlands, Canada, and Australia have seen significant increases in their imports of Korean kimchi.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Last year, both the export volume and export value of kimchi reached record highs. Japan was found to be the country that imported the most Korean kimchi. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on the 12th, kimchi exports in 2024 will reach 47,100 tons, a 6.9% increase from 2023, setting a new record. As export volume increased, export value also increased by 5.2% from 2023 to $163.6 million (approximately KRW 240 billion). The increase in kimchi exports seems to be due to the growing interest in ‘K-Food’ around the world and the recognition that kimchi is a ‘health food’. Kimchi is receiving global attention as a health food after it became known as a food that boosts immunity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, the recent kimchi export volume has steadily increased from ▲39,700 tons in 2020, ▲42,500 tons in 2021, ▲41,100 tons in 2022, ▲44,000 tons in 2023, and ▲47,100 tons in 2024, except for 2022. An official from the Ministry of Agriculture, ...

Source: Nongmin