Not further prepared dried vegetables market in South Korea

Earlier Report Observations

After initial stability, the South Korean market for not further prepared dried vegetables experienced a dip in 2019 before surging to over 20 500 tons in 2020. This increase was primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which boosted consumer demand for health-focused and long-lasting food options, with freeze-dried vegetables gaining popularity for their nutritional retention and convenience.

Market volume peaked at 21 034 tons in 2021, sustained by ongoing shifts in consumption habits. However, 2022 saw a slight contraction to 20 299 tons, coinciding with global supply chain disruptions that affected raw material availability. During this period, the government also tightened food safety and labeling regulations, adding compliance pressures. By 2023, the market stabilized around 20 300 tons, while domestic production rose sharply as new entrants joined the sector and major food companies expanded their freeze-drying facilities.

Production not further prepared dried vegetables in South Korea

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of not further prepared dried vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of not further prepared dried vegetables, 2017-2020

South Korea's production of not further prepared dried vegetables showed a mixed trend in recent years. After declining for two consecutive years, output rebounded in 2020 to reach 490 t, marking a 37.2% increase compared to 2019. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually fell by 45.7%, which translates to an average annual decline of 18.4%. The lowest point was recorded in 2019 at 357 t, when production dropped by 38.2%—the steepest decline observed during this timeframe.

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

Exports not further prepared dried vegetables from South Korea

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of not further prepared dried vegetables from South Korea exhibited significant volatility between 2017 and 2020. The lowest level was recorded in 2017, while exports peaked in 2019 at 561 t—2.1 times higher than the 2017 low. In 2020, exports fell sharply to 296 t, representing a 47.3% decrease from the previous year. The most substantial growth occurred in 2018, with an 85.6% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea's exports of not further prepared dried vegetables were concentrated among three key partners. The United States was the largest destination, accounting for 45.2% of export volumes, followed by Hong Kong at 9.4% and Japan at 9.1%. Together, these three markets represented 63.6% of total export flows during this period.

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

South Korea's export value of not further prepared dried vegetables followed an upward trajectory for two years before declining in 2020. Exports reached their highest point in 2019 at 4 896 K $ US, but fell by 5.1% in 2020 to 4 645 K $ US. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 9.1%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%. The most significant growth was recorded in 2018, with a 13.6% increase.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, Hong Kong, and Japan were the main buyers of South Korea's not further prepared dried vegetables in value terms. The United States accounted for 40.9% of export value, Hong Kong for 16.5%, and Japan for 8.5%. Collectively, these three partners represented 65.9% of total export value during this timeframe.

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 not further prepared dried vegetables to South Korea

Imports in kind, t

South Korea's imports of not further prepared dried vegetables in volume terms showed consistent growth from 2017 to 2020. Imports reached 20 317 t in 2020, up 8.6% from 2019. Over the four-year period, import volume increased by 10.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%. The only decline occurred in 2019, when imports fell by 4.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China dominated South Korea's imports of not further prepared dried vegetables in volume terms, accounting for 89.5% of total flows. Other source countries played relatively minor roles during this period.

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

South Korea's import value of not further prepared dried vegetables demonstrated steady growth between 2017 and 2020. In 2020, imports totaled 81 961 K $ US, representing a 10.6% increase compared to 2019. Over the entire period, import value rose by 15%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. The most substantial increase occurred in 2018 at 12.5%, while the only decline was recorded in 2019 at 7.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China was overwhelmingly the primary source for South Korea's imports of not further prepared dried vegetables in value terms, accounting for 89.3% of total flows. Other markets contributed only small shares, forming a long tail of minor trading partners.

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

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