Republic of Korea: Cabbage Market 2025

Cabbage Market Size in Republic of Korea

The South Korean cabbage market rose significantly to $X in 2022, picking up by 5.2% against the previous year. In general, consumption recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Cabbage Production in Republic of Korea

In value terms, cabbage production amounted to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 37% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2022, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2022, the average yield of cabbage and other brassicas in South Korea contracted modestly to X tons per ha, stabilizing at the year before. Over the period under review, the yield, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 8.9%. The cabbage yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the yield failed to regain momentum. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the total area harvested in terms of cabbage and other brassicas production in South Korea expanded slightly to X ha, with an increase of 2.8% against the previous year. Overall, the harvested area saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the harvested area increased by 24%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to cabbage production attained the peak figure at X ha in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Cabbage Exports

Exports from Republic of Korea

In 2022, approx. X tons of cabbage and other brassicas were exported from South Korea; reducing by -31.9% on the previous year's figure. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate measured growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 141% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, cabbage exports shrank dramatically to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed a resilient expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 86%. The exports peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons) was the main destination for cabbage exports from South Korea, with a 95% share of total exports. It was followed by Hong Kong SAR (X tons), with a 1.9% share of total exports. The third position in this ranking was taken by Canada (X tons), with a 1.9% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to Taiwan (Chinese) stood at +7.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Hong Kong SAR (+14.5% per year) and Canada (+3.6% per year).

In value terms, Taiwan (Chinese) ($X) remains the key foreign market for cabbage and other brassicas exports from South Korea, comprising 92% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Hong Kong SAR ($X), with a 2.5% share of total exports. It was followed by Canada, with a 2.1% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Taiwan (Chinese) stood at +9.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Hong Kong SAR (+9.4% per year) and Canada (-0.8% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average cabbage export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, increasing by 14% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.0%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the average export price increased by 35% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the peak figure in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Japan ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Taiwan (Chinese) ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Japan (+6.3%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Cabbage Imports

Imports into Republic of Korea

In 2022, approx. X tons of cabbage and other brassicas were imported into South Korea; with an increase of 34% against 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, faced a abrupt contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 247%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, cabbage imports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. In general, imports, however, showed a noticeable decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 with an increase of 371% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, China (X tons) was the main cabbage supplier to South Korea, accounting for a 97% share of total imports. It was followed by Australia (X tons), with a 1.6% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from China totaled -10.3%.

In value terms, China ($X) constituted the largest supplier of cabbage and other brassicas to South Korea, comprising 68% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Australia ($X), with an 18% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from China stood at -6.9%.

Import Prices by Country

The average cabbage import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, with a decrease of -9.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, continues to indicate a buoyant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 an increase of 114% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Australia (+11.4%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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