Korean food exports to Africa soared 72 percent in the first nine months of 2025, positioning the continent as one of the fastest-growing markets for K-food, official data showed Monday. Shipments to African countries reached $174.3 million from January through September, while export volume rose about 45 percent to roughly 183,000 metric tons.
Seafood dominated shipments, making up more than 70 percent of the value at $124 million, driven by rising African demand for Korean marine products. At the same time, trade in prepared foods is broadening: instant noodles (ramyeon) exports climbed 33.9 percent to $7.77 million and sauce exports increased 22.5 percent to $4.57 million.
Nigeria was the largest African market for Korean food, importing $36.6 million—a year-on-year rise of 100.3 percent—closely followed by Ghana, which saw nearly a 300 percent surge to $36.4 million. Other notable gains included Ivory Coast (up 62.3 percent), South Africa (up 50 percent), and Tunisia (up 48.1 percent).
Globally, Korea’s overall food exports exceeded $10 billion through September, with the United States leading the gains at a 15.3 percent increase. Europe posted 15.8 percent growth, and exports to Gulf Cooperation Council countries rose 9.6 percent.