Strict Chinese Import Standards Affect South Korea’s Kimchi Industry

South Korea could lose its kimchi industry, as well as tradition, to China's trade regulations. A staple in most households and a means of income for small to large businesses, the country's trade partner reclassified the dish and deemed it unsafe many years ago. According to their rigid import standards, it wasn't hygienic. Since then, exports have declined.

Chinese hygiene standards state that pickled goods should be sterilized to prevent bacterial contamination. But kimchi is traditionally fermented, which is why it has been reclassified as pickled with high levels of bacteria. Hence, the government has kept this imported product from entering their country.

The once-growing industry that used to generate more than $100,000 in exports has decreased, earning only $108 in 2013 and $16,800 in 2014. After a few years of blocking imports from South Korea, the trade flow has gone the opposite direction. China exports over $100 million worth of kimchi in one year to its partner.

Such is the case that a politician in South Korea has commented, "We are feeling a sense of crisis as the owners of kimchi". And this isn't the people's only concern. Even agricultural products from China have taken over food markets, grocery stores and local businesses. This is a big blow to many farmers, considering that agriculture is a major livelihood in the country.

There's still hope though. China has given assurance that it'll reconsider the matter, a decision that could improve South Korea's export sector. The government announced in February that it would amend the standards placed on kimchi exports. However, it isn't clear whether changes have been made already, considering that the World Trade Organization has yet to confirm the designation.

Then again, the damage has already been done and any improvement to the import regulations won't help many South Korean businesses recover right away. With Chinese kimchi still dominating the nation's markets, plenty of local producers struggle to keep their business. It'll also be difficult for the government to preserve the historical, cultural and economic relevance of kimchi.

The dish has a long history, and the country has even broken the Guinness World Record for most number of individuals making kimchi simultaneously. The 'Yakult ladies' - comprising 2,635 women from Korea Yakult Corporation - achieved the record on November 13, 2013 during the "Sharing kimchi of love" event.