S. Korea's Food Exports Up 3.8%

South Korea exported US$2.38 billion worth of agricultural and meat products in the first four months of 2020, up by 3.8 percent from a year earlier.

The increased exports were triggered by rising global demand for processed foodstuffs due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Shipments of foodstuffs that are consumed at homes such as snacks and sauces went up, according to data by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. In contrast, that of alcoholic beverages that are usually availed of at restaurants took a slide.

Exports of South Korean instant noodle products hit $194 million for a 34.5 percent upturn. The traditional Korean side dish Kimchi accounted for $45 million of the exports, which was a 30.7 percent surge, as it was sent to a higher number of large supermarkets in vital destinations.

The country's exports to the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia stepped up over the period, while those to Japan and China lost steam.