South Korea's fresh fruit imports exceeded $1.4 billion in 2024, reaching a new peak due to heightened demand for bananas, pineapples, and oranges. The Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI) reported that the import value of 12 major fresh fruit categories amounted to $1.45 billion in 2024, marking a 20.1% increase from $1.21 billion in 2023.
The 12 key imported fruits are bananas, pineapples, mangoes, avocados, grapes, kiwis, cherries, pomegranates, blueberries, oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. The previous record of $1.33 billion was set in 2018, with 2024's figures showing an 8.6% increase.
Fresh fruit imports had been increasing until 2018, driven by the liberalization of the agricultural market. However, supply disruptions from El Niño and COVID-19-related logistics issues in 2020 slowed imports. The trend reversed in 2023 and 2024, with demand for imported fruits rising for two years.
The increase in imported fruit consumption is linked to rising domestic fruit prices caused by declining production. In response, the Korean government expanded tariff quotas to boost the supply of alternative fruits. Additionally, prolonged heat waves in 2024 reduced domestic pear and tangerine supplies, further increasing demand for imports.
Source: Pulse