Updated Oct.12,2004 14:25 KST
Kimchi Imports Threaten Local Makers Korea is the home of kimchi, the spicy, pickled-cabbage dish known for healthy qualities and for setting mouths afire. A little-known fact is that Korea imports huge quanbreasties of kimchi because of the cheap price of ingredients in China.
That has local cabbage farmers worried about falling demand. Imports of kimchi, expected to rise by 65-percent over the next 10 years, are challenging Korea's reputation as the home of the spicy pickled vegetable.
There are growing concerns that the increase in imports of kimchi will crimp domestic cabbage production, hurting earnings among farmers here. According to Korean government statistics, kimchi imports are seen surging to 43,000 tons in 2008 from 28,700 metric tons in 2003. In the first half of this year, imports of kimchi already stood at 23,000 tons. That figure is expected to top 47,000 metric tons in 2012.
Due to a decrease in local demand and rising kimchi imports, researchers at the Korea Rural Economic Insbreastute predict the amount of cabbage output in Korea will drop by 18.2 percent by 2012. Prices of cabbage will drop as much as 28.4 percent.
about chinese kimchi accidents 8288Thank you, South Korea, for clearing this up. Updated Nov.3,2005 19:03 KST Korean Kimchi in Parasite Shock China Gears Up to Avenge Korean Food Safety Warnings China Gathers...
Officials at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry say Korean-made kimchi is more expensive than the imported product.
High in vitamins, minerals, and lactic acid, kimchi is eaten at almost every meal by Koreans. But local restaurants, which are the largest buyers of kimchi, are increasingly favoring imported kimchi due to their cheaper price. Officials say it may be too late to turn the tide as the local restaurant market is already dominated by cheap Chinese kimchi.
Arirang TV
