Korea's kimchi exports at a new record high of $159.9 mn in 2021

[Photo by MK DB]

Exports of kimchi, Korea’s iconic traditional Korean side dish of fermented vegetables, hit a record high of $159.9 million in 2021, resulting in the first trade surplus ($19.2 million) in 12 years, amid growing demand from health-conscious consumers across the world. Korea’s kimchi exports grew 18% on average every year in recent five years, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Korea shipped out kimchi to 89 countries last year versus 61 countries in 2011.

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