South Korea’s agri-food exports reached the highest figure for January amid robust demand for Korea’s signature kimchi and ramyeon instant noodle as well as environmentally-reliable fresh produces.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the nation’s exports of food and agricultural products amounted to $576 million in January, up 5.9 percent from the same month last year and marking the highest January figure whereas the headline exports had fallen 5.9 percent on year.

Shipments of fresh produce came at $120 million last month, up 14.4 percent on year. Sales of Korean strawberries increased in Hong Kong, Singapore and Vietnam. Exports of ginseng products including red ginseng gift sets to China also rose ahead of the Chinese New Year holidays.

By nation, exports of agri-food products to Japan reached $126 million in January, up 14.7 percent on year thanks to robust sales of fresh produce such as paprika and kimchi. Sales of kimchi surged 30.2 percent over the same period to $5.4 million due to the raised awareness of the benefits of fermented dish in the country and promotional events.

Exports to China grew 16 percent to $80 million, with shipments of premium milk powder surging 43.9 percent. Exports to ASEAN nations increased 10.9 percent to $115 million, thanks to the rising demand for strawberries across the region and chicken in Vietnam.

By Kim Tae-joon and Choi Mira

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]