Seoul: South Korea aims to export a record US$16 billion worth of foodstuff and agriculture-related products this year, the agriculture minister said Monday, as the sector is emerging as a new growth engine for exports with the global popularity of Korean culture. The target, if realized, would mark a 17.5 percent on-year spike from $13.62 billion in 2025, which marked the largest export figure for the farm and food sector in the country's history.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung highlighted the achievements of the "K-Food Plus" sector in a press conference, crediting the popularity of Korean food for the all-time high in exports last year, despite an unfavorable trade environment characterized by tariff and non-tariff measures. The government has set a $16 billion export target for the K-Food Plus sector in 2026, with plans to support local food companies in expanding their global presence through customized export strategies for different regions.
The K-Food Plus sector encompasses the entire agriculture and related industries, including farm machinery and veterinary medicine. In addressing trade issues with the United States, Song announced the establishment of a help desk dedicated to communication with Washington on sanitary and phytosanitary procedures (SPS) for agricultural imports. This U.S. desk, created under the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, aims to bolster communication to expedite necessary procedures for Seoul's exports of agricultural products to the U.S., although it cannot simplify the procedure.
Song also clarified that there have been no discussions on any additional opening of Korea's agriculture market, an issue reportedly raised in tariff negotiations between the two countries last year. Seoul officials confirmed that the bilateral trade deal reached in October did not include any items related to greater access to South Korea's agro-livestock market.
Regarding the recent spread of avian influenza, the minister assured that the ministry is committed to curbing the animal disease, which has been contributing to rising egg prices. The country has confirmed 34 bird flu cases this winter as of last week.