South Korea's kimchi exports are expected to reach a record level this year, supported by continued global demand for Korean food. Data from the Korea Customs Service show that overseas shipments of kimchi totalled US$137.39 million from January to October 2025. This is a 2 per cent increase compared with US$134.67 million during the same period in 2024.
Kimchi imports rose 3.1 per cent year-on-year, increasing from US$154.59 million to US$159.46 million over the same 10-month period.
If current trends continue, full-year kimchi exports are projected to exceed the previous annual record of US$163.57 million set in 2024.
Japan remained the top destination for South Korean kimchi, importing US$47.55 million from January to October, an increase of 4.4 per cent on the year. Exports to the United States declined 5.8 per cent to US$36.01 million. Shipments to the Netherlands decreased 3.3 per cent to US$7.97 million.
The data reflect stable demand across key import markets and continued movement of processed vegetable products within South Korea's export portfolio.
Source: Korea JoongAng Daily
