K-Food exports in the first half of this year increased by over 8%, driven by strong overseas demand for products such as instant noodles, ice cream, and sauces.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on July 3, Korea’s K-Food exports reached $5.16 billion in the first half of 2025, marking an 8.4% increase compared to the same period last year.
By region, the highest export growth rates were recorded in North America (24.3%), the European Union plus the UK (23.9%), the Gulf Cooperation Council (17.8%), and the Commonwealth of Independent States plus Mongolia (9.0%).
By quarter, export growth rates were 9.8% in Q1 and 7.7% in Q2. Notably, major markets such as the United States, China, and Japan saw higher export growth in Q2 compared to Q1.
Among processed foods with over $50 million in export value, the top-performing categories were instant noodles (up 24.0%), ice cream (23.1%), and sauces (18.4%).
A ministry official explained, “Instant noodles are gaining global popularity due to their spicy flavor, with new products such as spicy cream ramen receiving favorable responses overseas. In major markets like China and the U.S., stable distribution systems through local subsidiaries and large retailers are already in place. At the same time, expansion into emerging markets such as Europe and ASEAN is actively underway.”
For sauces, exports increased mainly in the U.S., Japan, and China, supported by growing global awareness of Korean cuisine and the popularity of spicy noodles. Items such as gochujang (red pepper paste), ssamjang (dipping sauce), spicy sauces, and bulgogi sauce led the growth.
Ice cream exports surged primarily in the U.S. market, with increased sales in large retail stores. In countries with strict dairy import regulations, such as Canada, plant-based ice creams helped drive export growth.
Fresh poultry exports also continued to grow (up 7.6%) in the first half, despite tighter quarantine inspections in Vietnam, the largest importer of spent laying hens. The strong performance of heat-treated poultry products like samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) and frozen chicken was led by the U.S. as the top export destination. Exports to the EU and the UK — following the conclusion of quarantine agreements last year — have already surpassed double the total volume from the previous year.
Agricultural industry exports also grew by 3.1% year-on-year in the first half, reaching $1.5 billion. Leading products in terms of export growth included veterinary medicines, pesticides, seeds, and fertilizers.
As a result, total K-Food Plus exports — combining food and agricultural industry products — reached $6.67 billion in the first half, up 7.1% from the previous year.
Minister of Agriculture Song Mi-ryeong stated, “Despite challenging global trade conditions such as U.S. tariff policies and exchange rate volatility, the continued growth of K-Food Plus exports in the first half of 2025 is the result of public-private collaboration. Building on this strong performance, we will actively support export companies with product development, online and offline marketing, consulting on tariff and non-tariff barriers, and countermeasures for export risks like currency and logistics, aiming to achieve our annual target of $14 billion by year’s end.”
