Rising Demand for Strategic Items Such as Gim and Functional Beverages
Exports Reach $53.37 Million by April
Achievements Include Customized Support from Consultants
Jeollanam-do has achieved remarkable results this year, surpassing $50 million in agricultural and marine product exports through export strategies targeting the US market.
To address trade challenges faced by agricultural and marine product exporters in the US, Jeollanam-do is strengthening its monitoring system through field-oriented, customized support using export consultants, enhanced collaboration with export support organizations, and the collection and sharing of local market trends and information through overseas offices.
As of April this year, exports of agricultural and marine products to the US reached $53.37 million, an increase of 33.8% compared to the same period last year. This accounts for approximately 19.5% of the total national agricultural and marine product exports, which amounted to $274.24 million. The US is the second-largest export destination after Japan.
The most prominent export item is, by far, Gim (dried seaweed). Exports of Gim, Jeollanam-do's representative marine product, to the US amounted to $38.45 million, a sharp increase of 35.2% from last year. Among US consumers, Gim is regarded as the fastest-growing high value-added food. Its presence is expanding not only in Korean food specialty stores but also in major retail chains.
Beverage exports are also on the rise, reaching $2.35 million, a 3.6% increase from last year. As consumer trends increasingly emphasize health, demand for functional beverages such as aloe juice, pear juice, and onion extract is growing, leading to greater diversification into health-oriented products.
In addition, traditional fermented foods such as Kimchi ($657,000) and Jangryu (fermented sauces, $833,000) continue to achieve steady export performance in the US market.
Shin Hyungon, Director of International Cooperation for Jeollanam-do, stated, "The brand awareness of K-food in the US is rapidly expanding, especially for high value-added products such as Gim and beverages," adding, "We will continue to establish a sustainable export base by diversifying exports and developing localized products."
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