Korea’s K-food exports keep rising, defying global shipping strains

Visitors attend the 2026 K-Wellness Food & Tourism Fair at aT Center in Seocho District, Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap

Korea’s food exports are climbing steadily even as war-driven disruptions in the Middle East force exporters to reroute shipments, absorb higher logistics costs and rebuild supply chains in real time.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said Thursday that cumulative K-food exports reached 5.38 trillion won ($3.58 billion) through April, up 4.7 percent from $3.42 billion a year earlier.

Instant noodles remained the dominant export category at $616.6 million, followed by confectionery at $265 million, beverages at $236.7 million and processed rice products at $101.2 million.

Fresh fruit exports also rose, led by strawberries at $57.4 million, grapes at $17.5 million and pears at $7.7 million.

Officials said exports to the Gulf region surged 37.6 percent to $159.7 million despite the ongoing regional conflict and higher shipping and insurance costs tied to instability in Middle Eastern waters.

Exports to the United States rose 8.9 percent, while shipments to China increased 15.5 percent. The European Union posted an 8.7 percent gain and Latin America rose 13.6 percent.

The ministry said exporters have been forced to shift away from major Gulf transit hubs such as Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates, instead routing cargo through alternative ports, including Khor Fakkan, to maintain delivery schedules.

Fresh produce exporters have continued air shipments despite rising fuel surcharges, absorbing higher costs to avoid breaking contracts with overseas buyers.

Officials said the government expanded its export support advisory pool from 33 to 53 experts after the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, focusing on logistics, currency risk and shipping volatility.

The ministry also selected 211 companies for a 72 billion won export voucher program aimed at easing supply chain pressure. More than 50 percent of the support will be directed toward logistics costs, including rerouting fees, delay charges and return shipments, with retroactive coverage starting in March.

Jeong Gyeong-seok, director general of food industry policy at the ministry, said exporters have managed to sustain momentum despite extraordinary external shocks.

This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.