South Korea’s Dishwasher Exports Hit All-Time High at $245.8 Million

by Jay Ahon / Mar 14, 2021 05:16 AM EDT

Children using dishwasher machine at home.

South Korean product, home dishwasher sets a historic all-time high export record of $245.8 million in 2020.

According to the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), the home dishwasher's shipment spiked up to 41 percent in 2020, which can also be attributed to the coronavirus pandemic and the need for the households to disinfect regularly by cleaning all the equipment and utensils used at home. Another reason for the boost of the dishwasher's exports could also be the increase in "single-person households" and the aim to lessen the household labor's burden by developing a convenient and reliable technology.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said in a March report that the people's eating habits had significantly changed due to the restrictions made by the government in its goal to control the Covid-19 cases by imposing guidelines such as social distancing, lockdowns that lead to the closure of establishments and controlling the movement of its people. With these restrictions, people are forced to stay at home and avoid outdoor activities, including eating outside. With people cooking at home, the increased interest has paved the way for home dishwashers to be globally significant and be known.

The said machine is being exported worldwide, with exports in the United States that have been recorded at $149.9 million, Canada with $27 million, the United Arab Emirates with $23.9 million, Australia with $10.58 million, and among others.

KITA said that the countries like the United States, Russia and Germany have the highest number of exports and potential markets for the home dishwasher product.

Home appliance makers in South Korea had developed and improved the machine's performance with LG Electronics that used steam technology to strengthen the washing power to make it more hygienic and convenient.

This South Korean product has topped the ranking among home appliances used in the U.S., landing in the 1st spot in America's consumer satisfaction assessment.