- Seafood exports continue to increase, recording 2.24 Billion(USD) -

- Despite COVID-19, export of fish cake up 13.6% compare to last year -

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (Minister MOON, Seong-Hyeok) announced Korea’s fisheries exports continued to grow. As of end of October, the numbers are up 20.5% and much as $2.24 billion from a year ago. The export performance of fisheries products of October has hit the highest record since July this year.

The main fisheries export items to China, the United States, ASEAN and Europe such as seaweed and tuna are increasing evenly. And export of oyster and halibut has shown a steady increase.

* Per item : seaweed($560M, 13.8%↑from the previous year), tuna($500M, 23.3%↑), oysters($7.4M, 15.6%↑), Halibut($4.2M, 30.3%↑)

By Country : China($540M, 48.1%), Japan($520M, -1.9%), US($320M, 24.2%↑), ASEAN($370M, 12.5%↑), EU($190M, 39.4%↑)

◆ Steady growth of Eomuk export

Korean Eomuk has emerged as a good export product as new consumption trends of “health” and “convenience” spreads. As of end of October, Eomuk exports amounted to $41 million and, rising up 13.6% from the previous year. They are growing noticeably in North American Markets with the US (21.2%↑) and Canada (40.1%↑) respectively. In addition, exports are also showing an increase in ASEAN markets including Philippines (12.2%↑) and Indonesia (268%↑) through active market development.

◆ Entering online sales with Halal Certification

Halal* certification is essential in order to enter the ASEAN food market with a high proportion of Muslims. The Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries is supporting the acquisition of a total of 42 food standards and international certification for global trade necessary for market entry and marketing by country.

Seafood processing company (A)** in Gyeongnam, has recently renewed their ‘MUI Halal’ certification in 2019. It is a mandatory certification in order to export to Indonesia. It was renewed in 2019 through the international certification acquisition support project. Since then, the export contracts with buyers have been greatly expanded, and it takes charge of more than half of Eomuk export to Indonesia.

* The word halal in Arabic means ‘permitted’ or ‘lawful’. It is used to reference any behavior or object that is permitted under Islamic law.

** “A” Company exporting fish cakes to Indonesia : (`19) $44,000 → (`20) $0 → (`21.10) $530,000(1290.6%↑, compare to the same period in ‘19)

Company (B), famous for its fish meat sausages in Korea, launched new brands tailored to local food culture such as halal Eomuk and halal fish meat sausages. Company (B) has successfully established the online and offline markets. Starting with the Chinese market, it has actively promoted local markets with live broadcasting by influencers, and with the growth of the Chinese market, exports to ASEAN countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand have also expanded.

* Company(B) Export Amount to

   China :('19)$7.09M→(‘20)$7.106M→(’21.10)$7.157M(21.3%↑)

   Export amount in Singapore : ('19)$21,600→(‘20)$2,500→(’21.10)$16,300(559.4%↑)

Halal Certificate logo		Online Marketing

◆ Focusing on alternative Protein! Entering Meal Kit Market

Recently, Eomuk has been getting more and more attention as a high protein and low-calorie diet source to replace meat.

Company (C), the Eomuk manufacturer, has started a new project supported by the Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries. The new project has aimed to developing products made with real fish instead of rice and wheat such as ‘Eomuk noodles’ and ‘Eomuk rice cakes’ Newly developed ‘Eomuk noodles tteokbokki’ was successfully exported to Taiwan with the promotion strategy suggesting various tastes including regular flavor, mara flavor, and hot chicken flavor. Since then, it has expanded its sales area to local department stores such as Sogo Dept Store and large distributor Carrefour with improving their packaging.

* Company (C) export amount to Taiwan:('19)$85,900→(‘20)$204,100→(’21.10)$473,400(429.7%↑)

Company (D), a leading Eomuk exporter, 5 companies have jointly been involved in, has developed 4 types of gluten-free Eomuk to target the American market. Gluten-free* foods have gained reputation and popularity and demands from distributors continued to increase.

* Foods that do not contain gluten, an insoluble protein in grains

** Total Exports: (‘19)$6.055M→(‘20) 6.76M(11.6%↑)→(‘21.10)$5.76M(6.1%↑)

                         - US : (‘19)$4M→(’20)$4.724M(18.1%↑)→(‘21.10)$3.991M$(8.4%↑)

Eomuk(fishcake) Tteokbokki	Gluten-Free Eomuk(fishcake)

From November 6th, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has held the ‘K-Seafood Global Week Event’ to promote Korean seafood in 16 countries. This event aims to encourage sales for the overseas holiday season like the China’s Singles’ day Festival and U.S. Black Friday. It also intends to support the expansion of exports by combining promotional events at 400 large retailers and cultural facilities, as well as online sales broadcasting.

Mr. Kim, Jun-Seok, Head of the Fisheries Policy Office said, “Total fisheries products exports recorded the highest level as of October with active product & marketing strategy by our seafood companies.” and “We will do our best to support business activities and resolve difficulties so that the vitality of the export market can continue.”