May 6, 2004

Chile Becomes Largest Exporter of Pork to Korea
 

Chile has become the largest exporter of pork to South Korea this year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Chilean pork, first shipped to Korea in 2002, amounted to 5,303 tons from January to April 20. It had surged 97.9 percent from the corresponding period last year. Belgium pork totaled 4,860 tons in the cited period to occupy second spot.

Korea imported 26,566 tons of pork in the period, jumping 42.6 percent from a year ago. Chilean pork imports posted a larger growth than the average increment.

The United States was the third largest exporter of pork to Korea with 3,719 tons, followed by France (2,797 tons), Denmark (2,673 tons), the Netherlands (2,016 tons), Canada (2,003 tons) and Hungary (1,041 tons).

The nation's imports of Chilean seafood fell, even after the free trade agreement went into effect last month.

According to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, seafood imports amounted to 493 tons last month, down 21.1 percent from 625 tons in March.

In terms of value, the imports also shrank 17.1 percent to $1.08 million in April from a year ago.