Pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat market in South Korea

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, domestic production of pig fat increased steadily, supported by the expansion of large-scale production facilities and the ongoing modernization of processing technology among major market players. This period also saw the government revise laws to strengthen livestock product safety management and distribution transparency, while consumer interest in freshness and origin led to enhanced labeling requirements. The easing of distribution and sales regulations further facilitated market growth by expanding online sales channels.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused significant supply chain disruptions and adjustments in production. This led to a sharp contraction in imports as international logistics faced challenges and consumer price sensitivity increased. In response, major producers invested in automation and biosecurity facilities, while the government swiftly amended safety and quarantine-related laws. The policy push for contactless sales and the relaxation of distribution rules helped sustain domestic market activity despite the global turmoil.

Following the pandemic, production continued its upward trend through 2022 and 2023, reaching nearly 97 000 t. This growth was driven by further investments in smart farming, automation, and the introduction of eco-friendly and low-carbon equipment. Consumer preferences increasingly shifted towards health, environmental sustainability, and product safety, reinforcing demand. Although imports fluctuated and the total market volume slightly receded from its 2022 peak, the domestic industry remained focused on enhancing quality competitiveness and brand value.

Production pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat in South Korea

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea was one of the world's leading producers of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, ranking 12th globally by production volume.

Top producers of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, 2017-2020

World map of production of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, 2017-2020

South Korea's production of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 94.8 thousand tons, marking a 2.9% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 9.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 3.1%.

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

Exports pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat from South Korea

Exports in kind, t

Exports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat from South Korea declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 0.3 tons, representing a 68.0% decrease year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2020, exports fell by 91.5%, with an annualized decline rate of 56.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Laos was the dominant buyer of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat from South Korea, accounting for 93.7% of total exports in volume terms.

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

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Export volumes peaked in 2018 and fell to their lowest point in 2019, with a fourfold difference between these years. In 2020, foreign supplies of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat from South Korea reached 8 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp increase of 283.3% from 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 74.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Laos and Hong Kong were the primary destinations for exports in value terms, together accounting for 100.0% 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 pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat to South Korea

Imports in kind, t

South Korea's imports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 10 226 tons, down by 38.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 38.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -14.9%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 19 198 tons, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 15.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Canada were the main sources for imports in volume terms, jointly accounting for 83.7% of total flows, while the remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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

After two years of growth, South Korea's imports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat declined. In 2020, imports totaled 17 483 thousand US dollars, down by 21.2% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 6.8%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 2.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 22 187 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 12.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Canada remained the key sources for imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 86.1% of total flows, while other partners were individually much less significant.

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

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