Apples, pears and quinces market in South Korea

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, South Korea's production and market volume of fresh apples, pears and quinces showed considerable volatility. After increasing to 736 thousand tons in 2019, output fell sharply in 2020 to 555 thousand tons, then recovered strongly over the next two years, peaking at 817 thousand tons in 2022. This growth occurred alongside ongoing pressure from the United States to open the market to American apples and pears, though imports remained negligible. The following year, however, production collapsed by nearly 30% to 578 thousand tons.

The dramatic 2023 decline was directly attributable to adverse weather. Late frost during the blooming period, followed by typhoons, hail and pest outbreaks, severely reduced apple and pear yields. This supply shock triggered a steep rise in prices, prompting the government to double its direct purchase support for apples to KRW 4,000 per kg and extend similar aid to pears and persimmons. Concurrently, discount programs were introduced to stimulate demand during holiday periods.

Looking beyond annual harvest fluctuations, structural factors are shaping the market. Authorities have announced a plan to expand contract farming to 30% of total production by 2030 and to modernize the aging wholesale auction system, which has been criticized for amplifying price spikes. Consumer preference is shifting toward high-quality fruit, spurring more mixed gift-set offerings. Although the U.S. continues to push for market access, South Korea's import ban on fresh apples and pears remains in place, insulating domestic growers from foreign competition.

Production apples, pears and quinces in South Korea

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, South Korea ranked as the 24th largest global producer of apples, pears, and quinces.

Top producers of apples, pears and quinces, 2017-2020

World map of production of apples, pears and quinces, 2017-2020

In 2020, South Korea produced 554.7 thousand tonnes of apples, pears, and quinces, marking a 24.6% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 31.6%, with an average annual decline of 11.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 8.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Korea in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of apples, pears, and quinces in South Korea was valued at 1 682 million US dollars, representing a 14.9% drop compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 15%, averaging a 5.3% annual decline. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 659 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 16.1%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase at 19.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Korea in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports apples, pears and quinces from South Korea

Exports in kind, t

South Korea's exports of apples, pears, and quinces fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 25 293 tonnes, a sharp 24.2% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports declined by 15.7%, with an average annual reduction of 5.5%. The peak was in 2018 at 35 564 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 18.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Korea in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, accounting for 34.9% of exports in volume, Asia not elsewhere specified at 33.8%, and Vietnam at 21.2% were the main buyers of South Korean apples, pears, and quinces. Together, these three markets made up 89.9% of total export volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from South Korea in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Following two years of growth, South Korea's exports of apples, pears, and quinces declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 76 701 thousand US dollars, a substantial 14.4% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 4.8%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 89 588 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 18.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Korea in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017-2020, the United States, with 40.2% of exports in value, Asia not elsewhere specified at 32.5%, and Vietnam at 17.1% consistently served as the primary destinations for South Korean exports. Collectively, these three accounted for 89.8% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from South Korea in value, 2017-2020

Imports apples, pears and quinces to South Korea

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, South Korea's imports of apples, pears, and quinces declined. In 2020, imports stood at 37 tonnes, a 50.7% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 18.1%, averaging an annual growth rate of 5.7%. The peak was in 2019 at 76 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 56.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Korea in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Asia not elsewhere specified and the United States dominated South Korea's imports in volume, together accounting for 85.7% of total flows, with other countries making up the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to South Korea in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of gains, South Korea's imports of apples, pears, and quinces dropped. In 2020, import value was recorded at 113 thousand US dollars, a dramatic 38.3% reduction compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 26.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.2%. The highest value was in 2019 at 183 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 54.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Korea in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Asia not elsewhere specified and Canada were the primary suppliers of apples, pears, and quinces to South Korea, jointly holding 82.9% of total import value, while other countries accounted for the rest.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to South Korea in value, 2017-2020