Fresh or chilled duck meat market in South Korea

Earlier Report Observations

Initially, production of fresh or chilled duck meat in South Korea increased, reaching 95,200 tons in 2019. However, a decline set in from 2020 onward, coinciding with the implementation of breeding restriction orders in priority quarantine management zones, which raised concerns among duck farmers and likely constrained output.

The downturn accelerated after 2020 as highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks reduced duck flocks. By 2023, the number of ducks slaughtered fell by 12.2%, and production dropped to 60,603 tons. Simultaneously, a sharp rise in imports of thermally processed duck meat from China added pressure on domestic producers, eroding their market share.

Other shaping factors included a supply control cartel for breeding ducks uncovered in 2021 and a shift in avian influenza prevention policy toward incentive-based measures. Additionally, heightened consumer price sensitivity amid persistent inflation affected demand patterns.

Production fresh or chilled duck meat in South Korea

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea ranked as the world's fourth-largest producer of fresh or chilled duck meat.

Top producers of fresh or chilled duck meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of fresh or chilled duck meat, 2017-2020

After two consecutive years of growth, South Korea's production of fresh or chilled duck meat declined in 2020. That year, output reached 84 864 tonnes, marking a 10.9% decrease compared to 2019. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, production increased by 19.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 95 200 tonnes, while the most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 28.9%.

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

Exports fresh or chilled duck meat from South Korea

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed considerable volatility during this period. The lowest point was recorded in 2020 at just 1 tonne, representing a dramatic 99.9% drop from the previous year. In contrast, exports peaked in 2018 at 2 627 tonnes. The most substantial year-on-year increase also occurred in 2018, reaching 751.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, South Korea's fresh or chilled duck meat exports were highly concentrated, with Vietnam accounting for 93.8% of total export volumes.

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

Export values displayed an unstable pattern throughout the period. The lowest point was reached in 2020 at 8 000 US dollars, reflecting a sharp 99.7% decline from 2019. By contrast, the peak occurred in 2018 at 4 818 000 US dollars. The most significant year-on-year increase also took place in 2018, reaching 882.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea's fresh or chilled duck meat export revenue was heavily concentrated, with Vietnam representing 94.5% 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 fresh or chilled duck meat to South Korea

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes experienced noticeable fluctuations during these years. The lowest point was recorded in 2017, while imports peaked in 2019 at 365 tonnes. In 2020, imports stood at 50 tonnes, representing an 86.3% decrease compared to the previous year. The most substantial year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, reaching 7 042.3%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, South Korea's fresh or chilled duck meat imports remained heavily focused on Thailand, which accounted for 94.7% of total import volumes.

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

Import values showed irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest point was recorded in 2017, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 1 194 000 US dollars. In 2020, import value reached 364 000 US dollars, marking a 69.5% decrease from the previous year. The most significant year-on-year increase took place in 2018, reaching 987.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, South Korea's fresh or chilled duck meat import spending was concentrated on two main markets: Thailand and France together accounted for 88.4% of total import value, while the remainder was distributed across various 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