Korea's agricultural exports hit fresh high through October

Korea's exports of agricultural products reached an all-time high through October this year, data showed Tuesday, driven by the global popularity of processed food products.

The combined exports of agricultural products, including both fresh and processed goods, came to $8.18 billion over the January-October period, marking an 8.7 percent increase from a year earlier, according to the data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

By sector, exports of processed rice products — including frozen gimbap and ready-to-eat steamed rice — surged 41.9 percent over the period to $250 million.

Outbound shipments of instant noodle products also soared 30 percent on-year, reaching $1.02 billion amid the growing popularity of Korean entertainment culture worldwide.

Exports of fresh products rose 0.5 percent to $1.23 billion, with kimchi exports increasing 3.1 percent to $134 million, the data also showed.

By destination, exports to the United States climbed 22.1 percent to $1.3 billion, and shipments to Southeast Asian nations rose 5.3 percent to $1.5 billion.

Exports to China increased 6.9 percent to $1.24 billion as well, while shipments to Japan edged down 5.9 percent to $1.14 billion, according to the data.

"Amid uncertainties, such as the Middle East crisis and the U.S. presidential election, the government will continue to expand promotional events both online and offline," the ministry said in a statement. (Yonhap)