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| ▲ Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung speaks at a policy briefing session with affiliated agencies of the ministry at the government complex in Sejong on Jan. 12, 2026. (Yonhap) |
agriculture minister-food exports
Seoul seeks over 17 pct increase in food exports this year: minister
SEJONG, Jan. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea aims to export a record US$16 billion worth of foodstuff and agriculture-related products this year, the agriculture minister said Monday, as the sector is emerging as a new growth engine for exports with the global popularity of Korean culture.
The target, if realized, would mark a 17.5 percent on-year spike from $13.62 billion in 2025, which marked the largest export figure for the farm and food sector in the country's history.
"Despite an unfavorable trade environment, such as tariff and non-tariff measures, Korea achieved an all-time high in exports in the 'K-Food Plus' sector last year, thanks to the popularity of Korean food," Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung said in a press conference.
"The government has set a $16 billion export target for the K-Food Plus sector in 2026," she added, vowing support for local food companies to expand their global presence, which she said will include customized export strategies for different regions.
The K-Food Plus sector refers to the entire agriculture and related industries, including farm machinery and veterinary medicine.
Regarding trade issues with the United States, Song said the government has newly established a help desk dedicated to communicating with Washington on sanitary and phytosanitary procedures (SPS) for agricultural imports.
The so-called U.S. desk, created under the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, will help bolster communication between the countries to expedite necessary procedures for Seoul's exports of agricultural products to the U.S., though the procedure cannot be simplified, she explained.
The minister said there have been no discussions on any additional opening of Korea's agriculture market, an issue that had been reportedly raised in tariff negotiations between the two countries last year.
Seoul officials have said the countries' bilateral trade deal that was reached in October as a result of those negotiations did not include any items related to greater access to South Korea's agro-livestock market.
With regard to the recent spread of avian influenza, Song said the ministry will do its utmost to curb the animal disease, which has been driving up egg prices.
The country has confirmed 34 bird flu cases this winter as of last week.
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