Jeonnam Agricultural and Marine Food Exports Continue to Rise Despite High Interest Rates and Tariff Barriers

$501.9 Million in Exports by July
Up 7.3% Year-on-Year
United States Sees Highest Growth at 13.1%
Seafood Including Gim Drives Sales

Naju Pears Export Sorting Site in the United States. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeonnam Province announced on the 23rd that, despite high interest rates and tariff barriers, exports of agricultural and marine food products reached $501.9 million as of the end of July this year, marking a 7.3% increase compared to the same period last year.

By country, exports to the United States saw the highest growth rate, rising 13.1% to $91.74 million. Exports to China increased by 10.9% to $80.68 million, while exports to Japan grew by 6.6% to $129.89 million.

The increase in exports to the United States is attributed to the spread of the Korean Wave locally, which has boosted the popularity of Korean food, as well as rising demand for seafood products such as gim (dried seaweed).

By product category, seafood including gim led exports with $331.77 million, accounting for 66.1% of the total. Processed agricultural products followed at $81.26 million (16.2%), livestock and dairy products such as powdered milk at $48.02 million (9.6%), and fresh agricultural products such as pears at $40.84 million (8.1%).

Shin Hyungon, Director of International Cooperation for Jeonnam Province, said, "It is encouraging that exports continue to grow despite challenging global trade conditions," adding, "In the second half of the year, we will strengthen marketing support, including country-specific promotions and export consultation events."