Browse Data and Analysis

The volume of U.S. fresh, dried, and processed fruit exports between 2012/13 and 2021/22 dropped 29 percent to 2.9 million metric tons[1]. However, a 25-percent gain in unit value during this period softened the decrease in value to just 11 percent lower as trade dropped $700 million to $6.0 billion.

As the 5th largest country export market for the United States, Korea provides a promising market for U.S. agricultural products. In 2021, Korea imported about $43 billion agricultural & food products from all over the world and the U.S. supplied a quarter of it, ranking number one. Other key suppliers were China, Australia, Brazil, and Vietnam.

Korea’s juice market is dominated by large domestic manufacturers. Imports, while making up less than 15% of the market, are on the rise.

The jams, jellies and preserves market is growing steadily. Domestic manufacturers are expanding their market share by launching products targeted to Korean consumers’ needs.

Growth in e-commerce and meal delivery services have opened new sales channels for soft drinks.

Growth in the Home Meal Replacement (HMR) market and Korean consumer demand for more flavors have driven up imports of condiments and sauces.

Peanuts are popular in Korea and consumed in a variety of ways. Demand for peanuts and peanut butter is steady.

The cheese market is expected to continue to grow as cheese becomes increasingly integrated in Korea’s dietary culture.

Domestic honey production declined sharply in recent years due to climate change and insect damage.

The Korean the ice cream market totaled $1.3 billion in 2019, down 20% from 2016.

While chocolate is a popular snack in Korea, sales have stagnated. Confectioners have been introducing new products to meet customer’s changing demands.

Butter consumption in Korea has been steadily increasing as the Korean diet has grown more westernized.