S. Korean Firms to Export 71.6-B Won Worth of Laver to Japan

Over 40 South Korean companies will export 71.6 billion won worth of dried laver to Japan, up 20.9 percent from a year earlier.

In terms of volume, the deals were 25.1 percent higher from the previous year.

The deals were closed during a videoconference hosted by the Korea Fishery Trade Association (KFTA) and five private Japanese firms.

The amount accounts for nearly 88 percent of total exports by 46 South Korean firms involved.

Dried laver is consumed as a side dish with Korean meals usually roasted with sesame oil and fine salt.

Snacks made of dried laver have become popular among foreigners in recent years.

KFTA has held face-to-face meetings in Tokyo in the previous years but had to conduct a videoconference this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The deals with Japan, a major importer for South Korean dried laver, came amid tainted bilateral relations.