Capsicum and pimenta fruits market in South Korea, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The South Korean capsicum and pimenta fruits market saw a gradual decline from 233 thousand tons in 2018 to 213 thousand tons in 2020. This period was marked by a shift in consumer preferences towards diversified fruit consumption, including rising interest in premium and exotic fruits, as noted in 2020. Additionally, the expansion of free trade agreements increased fruit imports, intensifying competition for domestic produce including peppers.

In 2021, the market rebounded to 233 thousand tons, driven by active domestic fruit production and the introduction of unique fruit varieties that captured consumer attention.

Subsequently, the market volume dropped sharply to 188 thousand tons in 2022 and further to 184 thousand tons in 2023. By 2023, high inflation and economic downturn prompted consumers to prioritize cost-effectiveness, reducing consumption volumes. At the same time, the market adapted through increased online fresh food sales and improved cold chain logistics, which supported value growth despite lower physical demand.

Production capsicum and pimenta fruits in South Korea

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea maintained the 16th position globally in terms of capsicum and pimenta fruits production volume.

Top producers of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

World map of production of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

South Korea's capsicum and pimenta fruits production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 243.4 K t, marking a 4.3% decrease from the previous year. Production peaked in 2018 at 265.3 K t, which represented the largest annual increase of 9.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of capsicum and pimenta fruits in South Korea was valued at 705.2 M $ US, reflecting a 6.0% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value grew by 12.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 773.3 M $ US, which saw the largest annual increase of 23.1%, while 2019 experienced the most significant decline of 14.0%.

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

Exports capsicum and pimenta fruits from South Korea

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, South Korea's capsicum and pimenta fruits exports amounted to 30 784 t, down 13.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 12.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.3%. The peak was in 2019 at 35 661 t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 10.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical distribution of exports in kind showed a strong reliance on Japan, which accounted for 99.6% of total flows.

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

Capsicum and pimenta fruits export volumes from South Korea declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 89 178 K $ US, a 4.4% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 2.1%, with an annualized rate of 0.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 93 771 K $ US, which experienced the largest annual increase of 3.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, Japan dominated the export market in value terms, concentrating almost all capsicum and pimenta fruits exports from South Korea with a share of 99.4% of total flows.

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 capsicum and pimenta fruits to South Korea

Imports in kind, t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 14.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, South Korea imported 0.0 t of capsicum and pimenta fruits, an 87.0% drop from 2019. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 0.0 t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 578.0%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, China and the United States were the primary sources for imports in kind, jointly accounting for 95.5% of total flows, with other partners holding significantly smaller shares.

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

The market exhibited an unstable trend over this timeframe. Imports bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2019, differing by 27 times. In 2020, South Korea imported a total of 0.0 K $ US of capsicum and pimenta fruits, representing an abrupt 88.2% decline from the prior year. The highest value was in 2019 at 0.2 K $ US, with the largest annual increase recorded in 2018 at 814.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the two leading markets—the United States and China—together made up 96.8% of total imports in value terms, while the remaining volume was distributed across a wide range of other countries.

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

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