Korean Rice Exports 22t to Japan via Nonghyup
Korean Rice Exports to Japan Surge, Driven by Consumer Demand
Table of Contents
- Korean Rice Exports to Japan Surge, Driven by Consumer Demand
- Korean Rice Exports too Japan Surge, Driven by Consumer Demand: A Q&A
- What’s happening with South Korean rice exports to Japan?
- What specific type of rice is being exported?
- Who is exporting the rice, and to where?
- How much rice has been exported?
- Why is this export happening?
- What is the price of the rice in Japan?
- How does the price compare to rice prices in South Korea?
- How has the rice been received by consumers?
- are there any future shipments planned?
- Has south Korea exported rice to Japan before?
- What are the key details of this recent export surge?

SEOUL, South Korea (April 21, 2025) – South korea’s rice exports to Japan have seen a significant increase, with consumer sales surging for 14 consecutive weeks. According to data released this week, this marks the largest export volume as 1990.
‘Land sunshine’ Rice Leads Export boom
NH Nonghyup Trade reported on April 20 that it had exported 22 tons of ‘Land Sunshine’ rice from Haenam Okcheon Nonghyup in Jeonnam province. The shipments, which occurred on April 7 and April 12, followed a March 27 departure date. After clearing customs at Shimo Noseki Port in Japan within five days, the rice was made available thru NH Nonghyup Japan’s online shopping platform and the Korean food retailer ‘Korea Plaza’.
Price and Demand
The rice retails for approximately 9,000 yen per 10 kilograms in the Japanese market. While this price is higher than the roughly 40,000 won (South Korean currency) retail price for a similar quantity in South Korea, an NH Nonghyup official stated that it remains about 10% cheaper than comparable Japanese rice, even after factoring in tariffs and transportation costs of 341 yen (3,400 won) per kilogram. The initial shipment sold out within a week, demonstrating strong consumer demand.
Future Shipments Planned
Building on this success, NH Nonghyup Trade intends to ship an additional 10 tons of ‘Sunshine’ rice on April 20, with another 10 tons scheduled for early May. An official from the Nonghyup Economic District Food Support Department anticipates further increases in export volume during the first half of the year.
Historical Context
The Korea Agricultural and Fishery Food Distribution Corporation (AT) reports that South Korea previously exported approximately 10 tons of rice to Japan between 2011 and 2013, and again in 2016. the exports from 2011-2013 were part of a relief effort following the Great East Japan Earthquake. The purpose of the 2016 exports was not specified.
Korean Rice Exports too Japan Surge, Driven by Consumer Demand: A Q&A
Here’s an in-depth look at the recent increase in South Korean rice exports to Japan, presented in a clear, informative Q&A format.
What’s happening with South Korean rice exports to Japan?
South Korea is experiencing a notable surge in rice exports to Japan. This increase is notably notable because the reported export volume is the largest since 1990. This rise is driven by several factors, including a spike in rice prices in Japan.
What specific type of rice is being exported?
The primary type of rice being exported is “Land Sunshine” rice. it’s sourced from Haenam Okcheon Nonghyup in Jeonnam province,South Korea.
Who is exporting the rice, and to where?
NH Nonghyup Trade, the trading arm of South Korea’s NH Agricultural Cooperative, is handling the exports. The rice is being shipped to Japan. Once it clears customs at Shimo Noseki Port, it is indeed available through the NH Nonghyup Japan online shopping platform, and the Korean food retailer “Korea Plaza.”
How much rice has been exported?
According to reports, NH Nonghyup Trade exported 22 tons of “Land Sunshine” rice.
Why is this export happening?
The exports are happening due to surging rice prices in Japan, creating a window of opportunity for South Korean producers.
What is the price of the rice in Japan?
The rice is retailing for approximately 9,000 yen per 10 kilograms in the Japanese market.
How does the price compare to rice prices in South Korea?
while the price is higher than the retail price in South Korea (approximately 40,000 won for the same quantity), it’s still approximately 10% cheaper than comparable Japanese rice, even after accounting for tariffs and transportation costs.
How has the rice been received by consumers?
The initial shipment sold out within a week on the online platform and at Korea Plaza,indicating strong consumer demand.
are there any future shipments planned?
Yes,NH Nonghyup Trade plans further shipments. An additional 10 tons of “Sunshine” rice was scheduled to ship on April 20, with another 10 tons planned for early May. An official anticipates further increases in export volume during the first half of the year.
Has south Korea exported rice to Japan before?
Yes,South Korea has exported rice to Japan in the past,though not in large quantities recently.The Korea Agricultural and Fishery Food Distribution Corporation (AT) reports that exports occurred between 2011 and 2013 and again in 2016. The earlier exports were part of a relief effort after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
What are the key details of this recent export surge?
Here’s a summary:
| aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Exporter | NH Nonghyup Trade |
| Rice Type | ‘Land Sunshine’ |
| Quantity (Initial Shipment) | 22 tons |
| Price (Japan) | ~9,000 yen / 10 kg |
| Retailers | NH Nonghyup Japan online and Korea Plaza |
| Demand Indicator | Sold out within a week |
| Past Context | Largest volume since 1990 |
