Present status and strategies for enhancing Korean rice export

This study was carried out to investigate the present status of Korean rice export, and the feasibility of increasing exports as a countermeasure for rice surpluses. The medium to long term outlook for rice supply and demand in Korea is for an ongoing rice surplus, as a result of a decline in annual rice consumption per capita and continuing rice imports to satisfy MMA requirements. To investigate the present status of rice exports, information was collected from Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, trading companies and a number of Korean domestic Rice Processing Complexes(RPC). Further data were obtained from consumers, buyers, and sellers in various countries including Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Netherlands, and Hong-Kong. Through the investigation, key problems of rice exports turn out to be the lack of price competitiveness, quality deterioration during the relatively long periods of handling, transportation and selling, lack of public perception of Korean rice, and the relatively small scale of export enterprises, distribution networks and sellers. On the positive side, Korean rice exports have significant advantages in safety and quality, and future price competitiveness will increase as the international rice price rises, in particular with a degree of government support for distribution costs. The development of new markets will further improve the prospects for Korean rice exports. We suggest the development of a technical center for the promotion and expansion of Korean rice exports, helping to formulate mid-long term government policy support, providing research into minimizing rice quality changes during transit, together with education programs increasing the focus on expanding Korean rice exports. The results of this study will provide valuable information and strategies for increasing rice exports and strengthening the competitiveness of the Korean rice industry.