Vientiane: Republic of Korea’s kimchi exports are on track to reach an unprecedented level this year, driven by increasing global demand for Korean cuisine, according to customs data released Monday.
According to Lao News Agency, overseas sales of kimchi, a traditional Korean side dish typically made from cabbage, amounted to US$137.39 million in the first 10 months of 2025. This marks a 2 percent increase from the $134.67 million recorded during the same period last year, based on data by the Korea Customs Service.
Imports of kimchi also saw a rise, growing 3.1 percent year-on-year to $159.46 million from $154.59 million over the 10-month span.
The current pace suggests that full-year exports are likely to exceed the previous record of $163.57 million set in 2024, fueled by sustained global interest in Korean food.
Japan remained the largest importer of Korean kimchi, acquiring $47.55 million worth from January to October, reflecting a 4.4 percent increase from the previous year.
In contrast, exports to the United States experienced a decrease of 5.8 percent year-on-year, totaling $36.01 million, while shipments to the Netherlands dropped 3.3 percent to $7.97 million.
