South Korea open to Brazilian pork

South Korea has opened the border to pork from Brazil. This gives Brazilian meat exporters access to the Asian country for the first time in history.

Last week, South Korean authorities approved three Brazilian slaughterhouses, including BRF SA, to supply the country with pork. BRF SA's approved slaughterhouse is located in the state of Santa Catarina in the town of Campos Novos.

Lots of potential
On paper, a serious trade flow could develop between the two countries in the future. South Korea is the fourth largest importer on the world market. In 2016, the country imported 615.000 tons of pork, and this year is likely to add 15.000 tons. An average South Korean eats 40 kilograms of pork annually. The pork bellies are especially popular in the Asian country.

Brazil, in turn, is the fourth largest pork exporter. The export volume will increase this year by more than 8% to 900.000 tonnes. The export of Brazilian exporters has mainly been based on Russia in recent years. The fact that the barrier with South Korea is being lifted is therefore well received by the meat exporters.   

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is Head of Meat & Dairy at BoerenbusinessAt DCA Market Intelligence, he focuses on dairy, pork, and meat markets. He also monitors (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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