HMM has been the leading transporter of California oranges to South Korea for the fourth consecutive year.
On July 15, HMM announced that it transported 3,060 TEUs of California oranges, accounting for 42% of the total imports to Korea this year, according to data from the U.S. shipping research firm JOC's Pierce Data.
After first achieving the top position in 2023 with 2,380 TEUs, representing a 25% market share, HMM has maintained its lead. The company attributed its steady market share growth to reliable container supply and efficient vessel scheduling, even as overall orange import volumes have declined.
Fresh cargo like oranges is transported using reefer containers, which have refrigeration and freezing capabilities. These high-value goods require careful management to maintain freshness during long sea transport.
HMM is also focusing on expanding into new markets by leveraging its competitive edge in reefer container transport. The company is now safely transporting high-value goods, such as cherries from Washington, which were previously imported mainly by air, to meet domestic demand.
Additionally, HMM is shipping K-food and K-cosmetics products, which have seen increased exports due to the K-culture wave, using reefer containers to various international destinations.
Recently, HMM has utilized its newly established West Africa feeder network, based on a Hub & Spoke strategy, to transport domestic small mackerel exports.
An HMM official stated, "As reefer container transport technology advances, the variety of handled items is increasing, and the pace of market changes is accelerating. We aim to expand into new high-value markets to enhance profitability."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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