S. Korea's farm exports surge to record level in Jan.

SEOUL, Feb. 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's farm and food exports surged to a record
high level last month largely due to the steady pace of a global economic
recovery, a government report said Monday.
According to the report by the farm ministry, the country's outbound shipments of
farm products shot up 31.8 percent from a year earlier to US$397.3 million,
reaching the highest level since the 32.5 percent gain tallied for 1986. It said
the increase marked the third straight month of the country's farm exports
growing by more the 20 percent.
In terms of volume, the exports rose 29.3 percent compared to the first month of
2009 to 212,600 tons.
"The rise reflects a greater overseas demand for locally made goods with demand
from China in particular increasing ahead of the Lunar New Year," said Byun
Sang-moon, a ministry official.
Exports to China, which is one of the largest consumers of South Korean farm and
food products, reached $57.9 million last month or a 103.9 percent hike from just
$28.4 million an year earlier.
The official added overall exports of farm and processed food exports jumped 43.1
percent on-year, led by demand for instant noodles, Korean genseng, strawberries
and cookies. Fisheries exports gained 13.5 percent, with sharp growth reported
for tuna, oysters and mackerel.
"Despite the general gain, exports of pork fell 79.9 percent annually as the
country reported its first foot-and-mount outbreak in more than eight years," he
said.
The report also said outbound shipments to Russia and Hong Kong increased 89.1
percent and 49.0 percent, respectively, with those to the United States and
European Union up 21.6 percent and 50.4 percent.
South Korea said earlier it wants to ship out $6.4 billion worth of farm goods
this year, up from $4.8 billion tallied for 2009.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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