South Korea: Shipments of autumn cabbage will increase from mid-October, and the supply of cabbage from farms will be much better

Due to a heat wave and weather conditions, South Korea has seen a decrease in its cabbage production by about 9% compared to the previous year. The country is experiencing supply and demand instability, with concerns about a potential 'Kimjang crisis' as the fall cabbage harvest approaches. However, it is expected that the situation will stabilize by mid-October, when the fall cabbage shipment area expands. Wholesale cabbage prices in October are projected to be around 15,000 won per 10kg, a significant decrease from September but higher than the average price of the previous year. There are also concerns about possible oversupply and a price crash for cabbages used in kimchi due to a decrease in demand and an increase in winter leek cultivation, leading to a decrease in winter cabbage cultivation areas. Additionally, the price of radishes is expected to remain high due to a production decrease.

Cabbage shipments decreased by about 9%, but Supply and demand situation is expected to gradually stabilize Wholesale price of 10kg around 15,000 won Expected to drop significantly compared to September Low possibility of ‘Kimjang crisis’ becoming a reality Consumers stimulated by ‘high price report’ Concerns about impact on cabbage price for kimjang As the damage to the highland cabbage (summer cabbage) crop was greater than expected due to the prolonged heat wave this summer, supply and demand instability is growing ahead of the fall cabbage harvest, and it is expected that the supply and demand situation will gradually stabilize after mid-October when the fall cabbage shipment area expands. The Korea Rural Economic Institute recently published this content in the ‘Agricultural Observation October issue’. According to the data, due to climate effects such as high temperatures, drought, and heavy rain, the production of summer cabbage has decreased, and the early harvest of ...