Jeonnam's Agricultural and Marine Food Exports Rise for 28 Consecutive Months, Driving Economic Recovery

Strong Performance of Key Products Such as Gim and Kimchi
Exports Surpass $350 Million
Achievements in Export Market Diversification

Scene from the recent Excellent Products Domestic Market and Export Consultation Meeting. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Exports of agricultural and marine food products from Jeonnam Province have recorded growth for 28 consecutive months, serving as a driving force behind the region's economic recovery.

According to Jeonnam Province on June 24, the export value of agricultural and marine food products from the beginning of this year to the end of May reached $353.59 million, a 12.0% increase compared to the same period last year. This figure significantly exceeds the national average growth rate of 8.2%.

Ten major export items, including dried laver (gim), rice, and duck down, are driving this export growth and account for more than 80% of the total export value of agricultural and marine food products.

The item with the highest export value is, by far, dried laver (gim). Its export value reached $179.545 million, a 28.9% increase compared to the same period last year. Dried laver accounts for more than half (50.8%) of Jeonnam's agricultural and marine product exports and holds a dominant position in the seafood sector, accounting for 79.6%.

The second highest export value comes from rice, with exports totaling $27.737 million.

Duck down recorded $17.594 million in exports, showing strong growth with a 20.5% increase. This is mainly attributed to increased demand in Southeast Asia.

Abalone maintained a relatively high export volume at $14.789 million, while beverages reached $13.071 million, a 26.2% increase, demonstrating the growth potential of processed food exports.

Other major export items included: seaweed ($12.06 million), powdered milk ($10.766 million), citron tea ($7.193 million), hijiki ($5.42 million), confectionery ($3.978 million), instant coffee ($3.365 million), and kimchi ($3.197 million).

In particular, the double-digit export growth rates of processed agricultural products such as confectionery, beverages, and kimchi further support the growth potential of the processed food export sector.

By country, the United States showed the largest increase with 31.7% growth, followed by China (10.9%) and Japan (0.8%). New Southern Policy countries (36.9%) and major European countries (10.3%) are also emerging as new growth markets for Jeonnam's agricultural and marine food exports.

Shin Hyungon, Director of International Cooperation for Jeonnam Province, stated, "In addition to key items such as dried laver, rice, and abalone, the processed food sector is showing remarkable growth," and added, "We will continue to enhance the profitability of Jeonnam's agricultural and marine industries through market diversification and tailored export support policies."