Salted, brined, dried or smoked pork market in South Korea

Earlier Report Observations

The market for salted, brined, dried or smoked pork in South Korea expanded from 12.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 13.1 thousand tons in 2020. This initial growth was supported by increased imports following the implementation of free trade agreements, which lowered tariffs. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 significantly boosted demand for home-cooked meals, driving up pork consumption, while an outbreak of African Swine Fever in Germany disrupted some imports, though alternative suppliers were quickly secured.

Market growth moderated after 2020, reaching a peak of 13.3 thousand tons in 2021 before stabilizing around 13.2 thousand tons. The easing of pandemic restrictions in 2021 revived demand from the food service sector. However, in 2022, COVID-19 cases at slaughterhouses combined with seasonal holidays reduced slaughter volumes, creating supply constraints; these were partially offset by government consumer coupons that stimulated demand. By 2023, consumer preferences continued to diversify towards specific cuts like pork belly, imports of which grew even as total imports declined.

Longer-term trends shaping the market included the rising influence of ESG and animal welfare standards, which began altering consumer purchasing behavior, and the growth of the alternative meat sector. Domestically, the industry saw the development of specialty breeds like the 'Nanchuk Matdon' black pork and stronger quality control systems, adding variety to the supply.

Production salted, brined, dried or smoked pork in South Korea

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Globally, South Korea ranked as the 29th largest producer of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of salted, brined, dried or smoked pork, 2017-2020

World map of production of salted, brined, dried or smoked pork, 2017-2020

South Korea's production of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 11 250 tons, a slight increase of 2.8% from 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, production rose by 9.6%, averaging an annual growth rate of 3.1%.

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

Exports salted, brined, dried or smoked pork from South Korea

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed significant fluctuations during this period. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at 27 tons, while they peaked in 2020 at 102 tons—a 3.8-fold difference between the two years. The 2020 figure represented a sharp year-over-year increase of 218.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 43.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea's exports in volume terms were heavily concentrated in Vietnam and Hong Kong, which together made up 95.4% of total shipments. Other markets contributed only small amounts.

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 were volatile over the observed years. In 2018, they reached a low of 105 thousand US dollars, rising to a high of 328 thousand US dollars in 2020—a 3.1-fold increase. The 2020 value marked a substantial gain of 136.3% compared to 2019. The largest decline was in 2018, falling by 21.4%.

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

In value terms, Vietnam and Hong Kong dominated South Korea's exports from 2017 to 2020, accounting for 93.2% of the total. Other destinations had minimal individual shares.

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 salted, brined, dried or smoked pork to South Korea

Imports in kind, t

South Korea imported about 1 943 tons of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork in 2020, a significant increase of 10.5% year-over-year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports grew by 12.6%, with an average annual rate of 4.0%. The largest decline was in 2019, down 8.8%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2018, up 11.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the overwhelming source for South Korea's imports in volume, supplying 90.8% of the total.

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

In 2020, South Korea's imports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork totaled 17 711 thousand US dollars, a strong rise of 17.3% from 2019. Over the 2017–2020 span, imports increased by 29.5%, averaging 9.0% growth per year. The largest decline was in 2019, down 3.0%.

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

During 2017–2020, the United States remained the top supplier in value terms, accounting for 74.6% of South Korea's total imports. The remainder was distributed among 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