According to figures from the Korea Customs Service, South Korea’s imports of whiskey products have skyrocketed 40% in 2021 compared to the same period last year. From January to August, 22,799 tons of whiskey were imported, up from 16,267 tons in 2022.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused whiskey imports to drop 19.7%, but the amount gradually recovered to 27,038 tons last year. If the current trend continues, this year’s imports may exceed the previous record of 27,379 tons set in 2002.
In terms of value, imports reached US$183 million, up 5.6%. The growth in volume was higher than the value, likely due to the increased demand for budget products spurred by the popularity of whiskey-based cocktails among younger generations.
A shopper chooses whiskey products at a supermarket in Seoul on Sept. 11, 2023. (Yonhap)
colin@yna.co.kr
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