Browse Data and Analysis

Sections Updated: Section I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, X and Appendix II

This report includes technical information and certificate requirements for food and agricultural product exports to the Republic of Korea.

Vietnam’s livestock and aquaculture sectors expanded in Calendar Year (CY) 2024 on steady economic growth and lower feed prices. Feed importers have increased purchases and diversified suppliers.

After reaching a five-year high in 2024, Korea’s potato production will return to average levels in 2025.

While per capita grain consumption in Korea remains steady, or declining in the case of rice, increased manufacturing of K-food for exports drives total consumption, offsetting decreases in other sectors.

Cotton imports are forecast to grow by six percent to 7.6 million bales in marketing year (MY) 2025/26 based on expected growth in the textile and yarn sector.

FAS/Seoul forecasts 2025 Korean cattle production and slaughter will drop to 951,000 head and 1,078,000 head respectively. FAS/Seoul forecasts 2025 beef imports to dip to 574,000 metric tons (MT).

On March 31, 2025, the Government of Vietnam (GVN) issued Decree 73/2025/ND-CP, reducing the Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) import tariff rates on corn, soybean meal, ethanol, frozen chicken drumsticks, in-shell pistachios, almonds, fresh apples, cherries, and raisins. The decree takes effect immediately.

This report highlights the food processing industry, its drivers, key players, and market landscape in the Caribbean Basin. The region relies heavily on imports, and the United States is the largest supplier of food ingredients.

The Vietnamese food processing industry grew by 7.4 percent in 2024 to $79.3 billion and food ingredient demand is expected to remain strong.

Vietnam’s soybean crushers are expanding capacity with new production lines coming online in the 2024/25 and 2025/26 marketing years.

Although domestic soybean production is forecast to reach a 20-year high in marketing year (MY) 2025/26, Korea will remain dependent on imports for 89 percent of total supply.