NFU Cymru highlights export opportunities to South Korea

17 February 2023

One pound money stack

The UK and South Korea already have a trade agreement in place from the UK’s time as part of the EU, however, this is based on text agreed in 2011. The UK Government is now looking to update this agreement and NFU Cymru has responded to the recent call for evidence highlighting where opportunities exist to grow our food and drink exports.

South Korea has a population of 57.1 million and a GDP per capita of $34,757 compared to the UK with a population of 67 million and a GDP per capita of $47,334.40.

The Korean market

Korea has one of the world’s fastest aging societies and due to a low fertility rate, the number of children aged between 1-14 has almost halved in the last 20 years. This has resulted in an increase of single person households meaning food purchases tend to be biased towards health conscious, high quality and premium foods which are in smaller portion sizes for convenience. In our response, NFU Cymru highlights the strong potential of exporting meat and dairy products to the region.

The UK does not yet have an export health certificate to send beef to South Korea despite tariffs being phased out by 2027. With per capita beef consumption in South Korea growing and a preference for lean grass-fed beef, there is scope for this to be a highly lucrative market if the right certification can be put in place. South Korea is a large poultry producer but remains a net importer, particularly of brown meat and consumption is set to increase creating opportunity for our chicken exports.

Removing existing tariffs

The UK already exports some dairy products including butter and cheese to the region, but the UK should look to secure better access by removing existing tariffs. With the aging population of South Korea valuing products which deliver health benefits such as bone strength, there is room to grow the export of our quality dairy products.

Greater access for our meat and dairy products in South Korea would also complement other destinations in South-East Asia such a Singapore. The use of common distributors and the ability to access a larger market across the region would make exporting more cost effective.

Geographical Indications

Currently, the only UK Geographical Indication (GI) to receive protection in South Korea is Scotch Whisky. In our response we highlight that renegotiating this agreement offers the opportunity to expand this list and suggest that for the UK Government securing protection for products such as PGI Welsh lamb and beef should be a priority.  

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