Exploring Opportunities for U.S. Pork in South Korea

I had the privilege of traveling to South Korea with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) as part of the Heartland trip. I was able to view the Korean market up close alongside my fellow U.S. Pork representatives, Josh Maschhoff and Joe Baldwin, and 21 farmer leaders from 14 states representing pork, beef, corn and soybeans. 

South Korea reaffirmed what we continue to hear from our global customers: U.S. Pork delivers strong value to the marketplace. Demand is especially robust in this market, and the USMEF Heartland trip highlighted just how many opportunities for growth lie ahead.

A Look at the Korean Market

Nearly 70% of Koreans polled report a favorable view of the U.S. and its proteins.¹ Through the first seven months of 2025, ranked as the fifth-largest export market for U.S. Pork, totaling 134,000 metric tons.²

While South Korea experienced flat to negative GDP growth in the first half of 2025, it still boasts a strong economy with a per capita GDP of $36,624³—higher than Japan’s $32,475 per capita GDP in 2024.⁴ 

However, South Korea’s demographics may pose a longer-term challenge for the future of exports. South Korea’s birth rate sits at only 0.7 births per woman, which is one of the lowest birth rates in the world. In addition, more than 20% of the population is over the age of 65.⁵  These shifts will shape consumption patterns and export strategies in the years to come.

Expanding Export Opportunities

Pork belly is the most imported primal cut for South Korea. Since U.S. consumers favor bacon, Koreans often turn to other cuts, such as the butt, for bacon production. However, domestic U.S. belly prices leave room for competitors. For example, during our trip we saw Canadian bellies being sourced for prices approximately 15–20% lower than the U.S.⁶ 

At the same time, South Korean processors and retailers expressed opportunities for U.S. processed and marinated pork products. The Home Meal Replacement (HMR) sector continues to grow. Driven by the fact that 40% of households consist of a single person⁷, ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products offer a clear growth path. Pork consumption already averages 65–69 pounds per person annually⁸, but there is room for even greater uptake. 

Another fast-growing trend is e-commerce grocery delivery. USMEF already partners with the largest e-commerce business in the country and is working to expand U.S. product offerings, including chilled pork products, through this channel.

The Value of Partnership

USMEF continues to be an invaluable partner for international markets, helping to leverage marketing resources and share critical market intel from their international offices. USMEF’s expertise and on-the-ground relationships strengthen U.S. pork’s position abroad and open doors for future growth.

Bringing Value Back Home

Global demand for U.S. pork remains strong. International buyers value cuts and products less favored in the U.S., which not only boosts exports but also delivers added value to pork producers.  

Momentum is on our side. Month after month, international markets like South Korea are demonstrating consistent demand for U.S. Pork.⁹ That demand translates directly into value for producers here at home—and opportunities for growth well into the future.

Footnotes

¹ “Proprietary Data Provided to the Pork Checkoff.” National Pork Board.

² “Export Statistics: Month to Month.” Export Statistics, U.S. Meat Export Federation.

³ Bank of Korea, 2024 Q4 and Provisional Annual National Income report, released March 5

⁴ “GDP per Capita (current US$).” World Bank Data, World Bank Group.

⁵ “South Korea Demographics 2025 (Population, Age, Sex, Trends).” Worldometer.

⁶ USMEF, Dermot Hayes, Ph.D., Iowa State University

⁷ South Korean Ministry of Interior and Safety data 2024

⁸ Korea Rural Economic Institute, 2025 Agricultural Outlook report

⁹ “Export Statistics: Month to Month.” Export Statistics, U.S. Meat Export Federation.