Industry experts attribute the surge to the growing popularity of Korean pop culture and increased awareness of kimchi as a health food following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kimchi exports totaled 23,900 tons from January to June, marking a 4.8 percent increase compared to the same period last year, the data released on Sunday showed.
The United States led the growth, with exports surging 20 percent to 6,600 tons.
Western markets showed significant expansion, with exports to the Netherlands and Canada rising 34 percent each. However, shipments to Japan, the largest importer of Korean kimchi, decreased by 11.9 percent.
The export value to the U.S. reached 33 billion won ($24.1 million), an 18.9 percent increase and an all-time high.
European countries also saw substantial growth, with the Netherlands and the United Kingdom reporting increases of 37.3 percent and 65.3 percent, respectively. Shipments to Canada also jumped 41.6 percent.
“Interest in fermented foods continues to grow, particularly in the United States. In Europe, although the scale is smaller, export values are rapidly increasing due to the influence of K-content and K-food trends,” an aT official said.
Experts anticipate this upward trend in kimchi exports to continue as Korean cuisine gains further acceptance in global markets.
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