With total production rising 2.9 percent to 3.82 million metric tons from 2020 to 2021, according to data from the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, South Korea’s fishery industry, the 12th largest in the world production-wise, has maximized its profitability thanks to the government’s grassroots support and export-focused policies, which is boosted further by the size and efficiency of its shipping industry.
With one of the world's largest merchant fleets, South Korea accounts for around 10% of global maritime trade, according to Logistics Asia. Through Busan, the fifth-busiest port in the world, the country exports seafood across all continents.
“Since taking office as Minister of Oceans and Fisheries in May, I have worked hard to expand exports in the marine and fisheries sectors. As a result, Korea achieved record-breaking exports in both shipping and seafood last year. Additionally, we focused on improving living conditions and residential environments in both the coastal and island regions, which were often overlooked in previous policy initiatives,” said Minister Seung-Hwan Cho.
With an extensive coastline and a deeply rooted fishing tradition, the country harvests a wide array of marine delicacies. Because of their freshness and quality, South Korean seafood has become an important export product that has found its way to dining tables and restaurants across the globe, including the United States.
South Korea and the United States cooperate closely in a wide range of activities, like fisheries as well as research and development. The partnership in the maritime industry has boosted seafood exports and improved the delivery of goods and services between the two countries.
“The United States is a steadfast ally and long-time friend of Korea, and we continue to build on those close ties in various areas that include national defense, diplomacy, and industry. Among these, shipping and logistics stand out as critical aspects of infrastructure that support bilateral trade and cooperation between the two nations,” Cho said.
“The ministry has also been strengthening cooperation with the U.S. across a diverse range of areas, including decarbonization, digitalization, automation, and investments for port infrastructure in the maritime sector,” the minister added.
