South Korea’s kimchi imports have surged to a historic high, with a nearly 7% increase in the first seven months of this year, according to data released by the Korea Customs Service on September 2.
Record Imports and Rising Prices
The data shows that kimchi imports from January to July reached $98.47 million, marking a 6.9% increase from the same period last year. This figure not only breaks the record set in the first seven months of 2022 but also represents the highest import value ever recorded for the period.
The surge in imports is attributed to a combination of factors, including rising prices and disrupted domestic supply of summer cabbages. These factors have led to an increased demand for imported kimchi, which is a staple in Korean cuisine and a significant cultural symbol.
Import Quantity and Source
The import quantity of kimchi also saw a significant increase, rising by 6% year-on-year to reach 173,329 tons. This is the highest figure recorded since 2019. The majority of the imported kimchi comes from China, which has long been a major supplier of the product to South Korea.
In 2021, kimchi imports had seen a 7.7% decrease, with a total value of $140.74 million. However, since 2022, imports have been on the rise, exceeding $160 million for two consecutive years. In 2022, imported kimchi accounted for 14% of the total consumption in South Korea.
Historical Trends and Impact of Pandemic
The import volume of kimchi has seen a significant trend over the years. In 2003, imports were less than 30,000 tons, but by 2019, they had soared to 306,000 tons, setting a new record. However, the COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial impact on the import volume, with reduced demand for dining out leading to a decline in imports to 241,000 tons in 2020-2021. Last year, imports rebounded to 287,000 tons.
Export Growth
In addition to the import figures, South Korea’s kimchi exports have also seen growth. In the first seven months of this year, kimchi exports increased by 3.7% in value to reach $9.685 million. The export volume also rose by 4.9% to 2.7858 billion tons, setting a new record high.
Cultural Significance
Kimchi, a fermented dish made from vegetables, particularly cabbages, and seasoned with chili peppers, garlic, and various other spices, is deeply ingrained in Korean culture. It is not only a daily staple but also a source of national pride. The dish has gained international recognition, with UNESCO adding it to the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013.
Conclusion
The record high in kimchi imports reflects the changing dynamics of South Korea’s food market and the increasing demand for international products. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and supply disruptions, the popularity of kimchi continues to grow, both domestically and internationally. The surge in imports and exports underscores the cultural significance of kimchi and its role in the global culinary landscape.
Views: 0