A international vacationer outlets for seasoned seaweed merchandise at a big grocery store in Seoul, Nov. 24. Newsis
Korea’s dried seaweed, typically dubbed the “semiconductor of the ocean,” is on monitor to achieve $1.1 billion in exports this yr as international demand surges, fueled by rising curiosity in well being meals and the continued recognition of Korean popular culture. Nevertheless, trade officers warn that local weather change and high quality management stay key challenges as Korea seeks to keep up its place because the world’s high seaweed exporter.
In accordance with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Customs Service on Dec. 17, Korea’s international exports of dried seaweed reached $1.04 billion, or 35,000 tons, as of the tip of final month, marking the best annual complete on file. It’s the first time Korea’s seaweed exports have surpassed the $1 billion mark. In contrast with three years in the past, when exports stood at $648 million, the determine represents a rise of about 60 %.
America is Korea’s largest export vacation spot for seaweed. Exports to the U.S. totaled $228 million this yr, accounting for 21.9 % of the full. Japan adopted with $215 million, China with $104 million, Thailand with $89 million and Russia with $86 million. The federal government mentioned a pointy rise in seaweed consumption in North America and Europe has been a serious driver of export development.
Exports have additionally benefited from latest tariff adjustments. A 15 % tariff beforehand imposed by the USA on seasoned seaweed merchandise was lifted beginning Nov. 13 following commerce negotiations. Seasoned seaweed is now the one seafood product exported to the U.S. that’s tariff-free, and it accounts for about 94 % of Korea’s seaweed exports to the nation by worth.
“With uncertainty in our largest export market resolved, it’s affordable to anticipate that exports may attain $1.1 billion this yr if the present development continues,” a ministry official mentioned.
A scene from “KPop Demon Hunters” / Courtesy of Netflix
The worldwide recognition of Korean popular culture has emerged as one other key development engine. Seaweed drew worldwide consideration after showing within the Netflix movie “KPop Demon Hunters,” the place a gimbap (seaweed rice roll) scene sparked curiosity amongst viewers unfamiliar with the meals. To capitalize on the development, the federal government has allotted 1 billion gained (about $730,000) subsequent yr to function a seaweed promotion middle at Incheon Worldwide Airport.
Regardless of the sturdy momentum, challenges stay. As export volumes develop, the necessity for stricter high quality management has develop into extra pressing. Business consultants have known as for the introduction of a seaweed grading system just like that used for premium Korean beef, which differentiates costs primarily based on high quality. Japan already operates such a system. A ministry official mentioned, “An formally acknowledged grading system would strengthen exporters’ bargaining energy,” including that the federal government plans to launch a pilot program beginning subsequent yr.
Local weather change is one other main concern. Seaweed thrives in low water temperatures between 5 and 15 levels Celsius, making it weak to rising ocean temperatures. The variety of high-temperature sea alerts, issued when seawater temperatures exceed 28 levels Celsius, rose from 22 circumstances 5 years in the past to 71 final yr, highlighting the accelerating influence of local weather change.
In response, the federal government is creating heat-resistant seaweed strains and advancing land-based aquaculture applied sciences that permit manufacturing in managed tank amenities on land. A ministry official mentioned the federal government goals to commercialize land-based seaweed farming by 2029 and commissioned associated analysis value 35 billion gained in January this yr.
This text from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Instances, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Instances.
