Processed rice products hit export record through July at $166 million

The rising popularity of Korean foods using processed rice propelled exports to a record $166.1 million from January to July.

A shopper walks past processed rice products displayed at a discount mart in Seocho District, southern Seoul, on Sunday. [YONHAP]

A shopper walks past processed rice products displayed at a discount mart in Seocho District, southern Seoul, on Sunday.

Exports of processed rice products hit a new record in the January-July period, rising 45.6 percent from the same period last year to $166.1 million, thanks to the growing popularity of frozen gimbap (seaweed rolls) and instant rice products overseas.