K-Food+ Exports Reach Record High in First Half of 2026, Driven by Middle East Growth

In the first half of 2026, K-Food+ exports reached a record high, showing significant growth not only in traditional markets like the United States and China but also in the Middle East.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on July 5 that K-Food+ exports totaled $7.05 billion, a 4.1% increase compared to the same period last year. This marks the highest export performance for the first half of any year. Exports of agricultural products rose by 5.0% to $5.38 billion, while the agricultural industry saw a 1.4% increase to $1.66 billion.

Ramen, a key processed food item, drove the growth in agricultural product exports. Ramen exports reached $935.4 million in the first half, up 27.9% from the previous year. If this trend continues, exports are expected to surpass $1 billion by mid-July, more than a month ahead of last year's pace.

The Middle East showed particularly strong growth. Exports to the region rebounded significantly after a sharp decline due to logistical disruptions following the outbreak of war earlier this year, increasing by 25.2% to $228.6 million compared to the previous year. Exports of beverages, health supplements, and ginseng contributed to this recovery.

In the United States, the largest market, exports of ramen, snacks, and kimchi were robust, surpassing $1 billion for the first time in the first half. Notably, kimchi sales in the U.S. increased by 15.3% year-on-year to $31 million, as it was highlighted by the U.S. government as a fermented food beneficial for gut health.

In the fresh produce sector, sales of pears ($8 million) and grapes ($18.1 million) saw significant increases. Pear exports to the U.S. more than doubled due to improved domestic production, while grape exports surged to markets like Taiwan, driven by a preference for premium fruits.

The agricultural industry also benefited from diversification efforts. Exports of agricultural machinery grew by 3.2% year-on-year to $760 million. Although demand in the North American market slowed due to rising farming costs, sales increased in countries like the Netherlands and Canada.

Fertilizer exports exceeded $250 million, a 14.4% increase from the previous year. This growth was influenced by rising prices due to export controls from China and international supply shortages caused by conflicts in the Middle East, with exports to India and the Philippines increasing 61-fold and 6.6-fold, respectively.

Kim Jeong-wook, head of the Agricultural Industry Innovation Policy Office, stated, "Despite numerous external trade challenges, K-Food+ exports achieved the highest performance in history in the first half. We will ensure thorough risk management against non-tariff barriers and the distribution of imitation products in the second half."