Seoul, September 24, 2024 – In response to soaring cabbage prices due to extreme weather conditions, the South Korean government has announced its decision to import cabbage from China, aiming to stabilize prices and ensure a steady supply. The Korea News Agency reported that the government has encouraged distributors to pre-deploy inventory to address the issue.
Background: Weather Conditions Affecting Cabbage Prices
The soaring cabbage prices in South Korea are a direct consequence of the intense heatwave and drought that have affected the country. These adverse weather conditions have led to a decrease in cabbage production, resulting in insufficient supply. As a result, the average wholesale price of a cabbage has skyrocketed to 9537 Korean won (approximately 50 yuan), while the retail price ranges from 20,000 to 23,000 won.
Government’s Response: Importing Cabbage from China
In light of the situation, the South Korean government has decided to import fresh cabbage from China. This is the fifth time the government has imported large volumes of cabbage. The Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Food Division (Agri-Food Division) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs announced the measures to stabilize the prices of horticultural and agricultural products.
The government plans to import the first batch of 16 tons of cabbage from China on September 27. The import volume will be gradually expanded based on the production situation in China. The Korea Agricultural Products and Trade Corporation (aT) will supply the imported cabbage to restaurants, ingredient suppliers, and other outlets.
Additional Measures to Support the Market
In addition to importing cabbage from China, the government is taking further measures to support the market. These include:
- Financial Assistance: The government will provide subsidies to产地 dealers and agricultural cooperatives to encourage early deployment of cabbage inventory.
- Discounts in Supermarkets: The government plans to support discount campaigns in large supermarkets before October 2 to alleviate the burden on consumers.
Public Awareness and Media Coverage
The situation has caught the attention of the public and media outlets in South Korea. Supermarkets in Seoul have already posted notices in their vegetable sections, informing customers about the reasons behind the low quality of cabbage due to extreme weather conditions.
Conclusion
The South Korean government’s decision to import cabbage from China is a proactive measure to address the soaring prices and ensure a steady supply of this essential vegetable. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how effective these measures will be in stabilizing the market and alleviating the burden on consumers.
Original Source: Korea News Agency
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