대한민국 채소 인사이트

Last year, the amount of fresh radish imports surged 11-fold compared to the previous year. In this situation, the government decided to extend the period of application of the foreign fresh radish quota tariff until April. Farmers criticized that excessive increase in imports could weaken the domestic consumption base and lead to the collapse of the domestic production base. ◆Radish imports surge 11-fold… Highest in 12 years = According to the Korea Customs Service, the amount of foreign fresh radish imported from January to December 2024 was 14,871 tons. This is an 11.4-fold increase compared to 2023 (1,307 tons), and the highest in 12 years since 2012 (16,933 tons). The surge in imports is interpreted as a result of a combination of factors such as increased prices due to a decrease in domestic production and the government’s application of quota tariffs. According to the production area, the production of winter radish in 2024-2025 has decreased significantly due to the abnormally high temperatures that have continued since last summer and the heavy rain in late autumn (October-November). According to the ‘December Leaf Vegetable Observation’ released by the Korea Rural Economic Institute at the end of last year, the production of winter radish is expected to be 319,895 tons. It is a 9.6% decrease from the previous year (354,020 tons) and a 15.6% decrease from the average year (378,890 tons). The decrease felt by farmers is even greater. Park Il-sik, who grows winter radish in Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, said, “Usually in January, a box of 20 kg per 3.3㎡ (1 pyeong) comes out, but this year, it is only 10 kg,” and “Even that is small in size and of poor quality.” The price continued its upward trend. On the 15th, 20kg boxes of radish were sold at 27,749 won per box at Garak Market in Seoul. This is 175.8% higher than the average in January last year (10,063 won) and 127.7% higher than the average year (12,186 won). ◆Government, “Extend import quota tariff until April”… Farmers, “Production base will collapse while trying to control prices” = Prices have soared, but farmers’ expressions are not bright. Farmers are complaining that the decline in production is greater than the increase in prices, making it difficult to make ends meet. In the midst of this, the government decided to extend the quota tariff application period from the end of last year to April, saying it is preparing for a shortage of radish supply, causing farmers to feel even more frustrated. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

[Reporter Sang-Hyeon Seo, Korea Agricultural and Fishery Newspaper] The government is releasing more than 200 tons of cabbage and radish per day to prepare for a shortage in supply during the peak Seollal season, and is seeking to stabilize prices by providing discounts on pork and eggs. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 13th that it will pursue supply and demand stabilization measures that match the characteristics of each item, such as vegetables, fruits, livestock products, processed foods, and restaurants, as a “Seollal seasonal product supply and demand stabilization measure.” According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, wholesale and retail prices of cabbage and radish are higher than average due to increased storage demand from producers, distributors, and kimchi companies, as well as poor harvests of winter cabbage and radish. Accordingly, the government is using 11,000 tons of available supplies, including government reserves and shipment adjustment facilities.

[Reporter Woo Jeong-su, Korea Agricultural and Fishery Newspaper] With the wholesale prices of winter cabbage and radish strong, the government is planning to ease the burden of consumer prices during the Lunar New Year holiday by providing discount support and expanding the supply of stockpiled and contracted cultivation. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs stabilized cabbage and radish prices from mid-November to early December, the peak kimchi season, by adjusting the shipping period and providing government discount support despite the decrease in the production of autumn cabbage and radish during the kimchi-making season last year. However, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs stated that recently, the wholesale and retail prices of cabbage and radish are higher than the previous year and the average year. In the case of cabbage, although household consumption slowed down after the end of the kimchi-making season last year, there is a growing demand for cabbage from producers, distributors, and kimchi companies.