The Korea Customs Service on Nov. 22 quoted trade statistics as saying the number of countries importing Korea's kimchi exceeded 90 this year for the first time. (iclickart) *[Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution of the above photo is strictly prohibited under copyright laws and regulations.]

By Lee Dasom

The global boom in kimchi's popularity has seen the number of export markets for the spicy condiment break 90 this year for the first time.

The Korea Customs Service on Nov. 22 released trade statistics showing that kimchi from January to last month was exported to 93 countries including Japan and the U.S. 

This is the first time for the number to break 90, with this year seeing 32 more kimchi markets than 61 in 2013. The previous mark set in 2021 was 89 after kimchi gained the global spotlight as a healthy food during the COVID-19 pandemic. The number dipped to 87 last year before breaking the record this year.

By weight, kimchi exports over the 10-month period rose 7.2% to 37,110 tons and their amount was USD 130.59 million, a 10.1% increase.

By country, Japan was the top market with USD 52.84 million, followed by the U.S. with USD 33.31 million, Netherlands USD 6.14 million, U.K. USD 4.94 million and Hong Kong USD 4.9 million.

Five of the 10 biggest export markets were Western countries: the U.S., Netherlands, U.K., Australia and Canada.

The volume of kimchi exports to the U.S. made a massive leap from just USD 4.95 million in 2013 to USD 33.31 million this year. The U.K. went up from fifth in 2021 to fourth on this year's list and the Netherlands from sixth to third.

To mark the fourth annual Kimchi Day, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in Seoul on Nov. 22 held a ceremony at aT Center in the capital's Yangjae-dong neighborhood in Seocho-gu District.

dlektha0319@korea.kr