Edible oil · importers
South Korea ranks nineteenth of 96 at $2.0B in the fats and oils chapter, tied in practice with Brazil just behind.
| Market | HS 15 imports |
|---|---|
| United States | $17.2B |
| India | $16.8B |
| China | $12.6B |
| Netherlands | $8.6B |
| Italy | $7.0B |
Figures are for the whole of HS chapter 15 (animal or vegetable fats and oils). Source: UN Comtrade, as reported by national authorities; latest available year per market.
Poland is above at $2.1B and Brazil below at the same rounded $2.0B. South Korea’s 1.4% share of reported world imports matches Brazil’s, so the order is loose. The chapter is 0.3% of its $631.7B imports and ranks 37th among its import chapters, far behind fuels at $162.1B, electrical machinery at $123.8B and industrial machinery at $66.0B.
Korean demand covers cooking oils for households and restaurants, ingredients for processed foods and oils used in industry. Some of the supply is refined from imported crude oil and some arrives as finished product. Ask the importer which mix it handles, and request its written specification for acidity, colour and impurities.
Specialty oils used in traditional cooking have their own buyers, who focus on aroma and origin. For those, small packs and careful presentation matter, and a producer able to explain how the oil was pressed or roasted and to supply consistent samples can win attention even at a premium to bulk commodity oils, provided documents and labels meet the requirements.
China, the USA, Japan and Saudi Arabia lead the overall source list, which covers all goods and says nothing about oil origins. Import, labelling and food-safety conditions are set by the authorities and can change, so confirm them before quoting.
Chapter 15 includes animal fats, so $2.0B is broader than edible vegetable oil. Re-exports and reporting differences can move a market a place or two.
Consignees appear in shipment records for the oil headings. Set Incoterm, currency and port with the buyer and reach the shortlist through this site’s free marketplace.
Nineteenth of 96 markets at $2.0B in 2024, a 1.4% share of reported world imports.
It is 0.3% of $631.7B and ranks 37th among import chapters.
Ask for its written quality specification, and whether it wants crude or finished oil.
Search oil-heading shipment data by consignee and cargo weight.
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