Republic of Korea: Apple Market 2025

Apple Market Size in Republic of Korea

The South Korean apple market was finally on the rise to reach $X in 2021, after three years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Apple Production in Republic of Korea

In value terms, apple production expanded modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, the total production indicated temperate growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -29.7% against 2017 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when the production volume increased by 87% against the previous year. Apple production peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The average yield of apples in South Korea rose notably to X tons per ha in 2021, with an increase of 12% on the previous year's figure. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 26%. The apple yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the yield stood at a somewhat lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, approx. X ha of apples were harvested in South Korea; growing by 8.7% compared with 2020 figures. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations in certain years. As a result, the harvested area attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Apple Exports

Exports from Republic of Korea

In 2021, approx. X tons of apples were exported from South Korea; with a decrease of -2.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, exports saw a abrupt contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 42%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, apple exports rose sharply to $X in 2021. In general, exports continue to indicate a mild downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when exports increased by 40% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons), Vietnam (X tons) and Hong Kong SAR (X tons) were the main destinations of apple exports from South Korea, together comprising 52% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Vietnam (with a CAGR of +30.9%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Taiwan (Chinese) ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for apples exports from South Korea, comprising 26% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Vietnam ($X), with a 12% share of total exports. It was followed by Hong Kong SAR, with a 12% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Taiwan (Chinese) totaled -7.8%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Vietnam (+33.3% per year) and Hong Kong SAR (-4.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average apple export price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 8.4% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.9%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when the average export price increased by 51%. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Russia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Taiwan (Chinese) (+6.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Apple Imports

Imports into Republic of Korea

In 2021, supplies from abroad of apples increased by 113% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. Overall, imports showed a significant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 195% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, apple imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports enjoyed a significant expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 179%. Imports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the United States (X tons) constituted the largest apple supplier to South Korea, with a 71% share of total imports. Moreover, apple imports from the United States exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, South Africa (X tons), fourfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by China (X tons), with a 10% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from the United States stood at +27.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: South Africa (0.0% per year) and China (+18.2% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X) constituted the largest supplier of apples to South Korea, comprising 80% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by South Africa ($X), with a 12% share of total imports. It was followed by China, with a 7.2% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from the United States totaled +22.7%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: South Africa (0.0% per year) and China (+14.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average apple import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, jumping by 20% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, recorded a noticeable downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the average import price increased by 48% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Ukraine ($X per ton), while the price for China ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Chile (+17.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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