Seoul: Exports of sesame oil soared 37 percent in the first four months of 2026 from a year earlier to set a new record amid the growing popularity of Korean food around the world, data showed Tuesday. Outbound shipments of sesame oil reached US$6.14 million in the January-April period, with the shipment volume jumping 47.6 percent to 657 tons over the period.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korea Customs Service compiled data indicating that the rise in sesame oil exports is largely attributed to higher demand for vegetable oil products driven by the global trend towards healthy eating. Consumers worldwide have increasingly purchased key sauces used in Korean food recipes, contributing to this growth.

By destination, exports to the United States accounted for $2.6 million, or 41.7 percent of total exports, followed by Canada with $600,000 and Taiwan with $500,000. Shipments to Australia and the Netherlands came to $500,000 and $300,000, respectively, the latest findings showed.