Sharp Rise in Cabbage and Radish Prices, Increasing Consumer Burden Ahead of Lunar New Year
Government Busy with Price Stabilization Measures Amid Price Surge
Ahead of the 2025 Lunar New Year, the prices of some agricultural products such as baechu (Napa cabbage) and radish have surged, increasing the burden on consumers.
According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) on the 5th, the retail prices of baechu and radish have risen by 1.5 to nearly twice compared to a year ago. Baechu averaged 5,027 won, up 58.9% from a year ago and 33.9% higher than the average year. Radish was priced at 3,206 won, 77.4% more expensive than a year ago and 52.7% above the average year.
The main causes of this price increase are poor production due to climate change and abnormal weather. In particular, last summer’s heatwave and the prolonged late heat after Chuseok significantly affected the growth of baechu and radish, and frequent rain in the Jeju region during winter also reduced radish production. Additionally, early harvesting of baechu and radish is analyzed to have contributed to the price rise.
The government is considering measures to stabilize the prices of baechu and radish by releasing as much available supply as possible and temporarily suspending purchases. Furthermore, baechu imports are also being considered, with a precedent last year when fresh baechu was imported from China to stabilize the sharply rising prices.
In preparation for the Lunar New Year peak season, the government plans to announce price management measures, aiming to increase the supply of popular items such as apples and Korean beef (Hanwoo) to record levels and support the largest-scale discount events ever.
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