Korean Rice Achieves Record Exports to Japan in First Half of the Year
Gaining Attention as a 'Cost-Effective Alternative' Amid Soaring Japanese Rice Prices
Declining Domestic Rice Consumption Also Contributes to Export Growth
As rice prices in Japan have soared, Korean rice, which had remained on the periphery for decades, is now gaining attention as a 'cost-effective alternative.' With Japanese consumers turning to the relatively cheaper Korean rice, exports of Korean rice to Japan in the first half of this year reached an all-time high.
Korean rice, which had remained on the periphery for decades, is gaining attention as a 'cost-effective alternative.' Getty Images
Korean Rice Achieves Record Exports to Japan Amid Soaring Japanese Rice Prices
According to Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, by mid-May, the retail price of rice in Japan had risen to 4,268 yen (about 40,000 won) per 5 kilograms. This is more than double the 2023 price, which ranged from 1,500 to 2,000 yen. The sharp price increase is attributed to several factors: the record-breaking heatwave in 2023, resulting in a decline in quality, and panic buying after the major earthquake. Each of these factors has contributed independently to the price surge.
Amid the burden of soaring rice prices, word began to spread among Japanese consumers that Korean rice was a 'cost-effective alternative.' It became popular for travelers to buy Korean rice at supermarkets during trips to Korea and bring it back home. Local media also highlighted the 'reasonable price' of Korean rice. In fact, major online retailers saw a surge in sales of Korean rice, and distributors moved to increase supply.
Declining Domestic Rice Consumption Also a Factor
On August 4, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, citing data from the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), reported that exports of Korean rice to Japan in the first half of 2025 (January to June) reached 416 tons. This is the highest figure since statistics began in 1990.
Until now, exports of Korean rice to Japan had been virtually nonexistent. The previous record was only 16 tons, exported as relief supplies following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2012. In some years, exports were zero. The Japanese rice market is known as one of the most closed domestic markets, due to high self-sufficiency rates and tariffs that make it difficult for foreign rice to enter. However, this year, the situation changed. Due to supply shortages and rising prices in Japan, Korean rice has come to be seen as a practical alternative.
Another factor behind the expansion of exports is the decline in rice consumption in Korea. As of 2023, Korea's annual per capita rice consumption was 55.8 kilograms, a decrease of about 40% compared to 93.6 kilograms in 2000. This decline is much steeper than that seen in Japan over the same period.
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