Rice · importers
South Korea is ranked 11th of 96 markets for cereal imports at $4.8B in 2024, just outside the top ten. Here is what that means for a rice seller.
| Market | HS 10 imports |
|---|---|
| China | $14.8B |
| Mexico | $8.0B |
| Egypt | $6.8B |
| Indonesia | $6.8B |
| Japan | $6.7B |
Figures are for the whole of HS chapter 10 (cereals); rice is only part of it. Source: UN Comtrade, as reported by national authorities; latest available year per market.
South Korea declared $4.8B of chapter 10 imports for 2024, which is 3.2% of the ranked world total. Spain sits directly above at $4.9B and Algeria directly below at $4.6B. The eleventh position is therefore the start of the next tier, and the distance to the top ten is trivial. Do not treat 11th as meaningfully weaker than 10th.
Across its own economy, cereals are 0.8% of $631.7B in total imports and the 20th chapter by value. Fuels at $162.1B and electrical machinery at $123.8B dwarf it, followed by machinery, precision instruments and vehicles. Grain is a minor line for the customs system, so buyers are likely to be a defined group of specialist importers.
South Korea’s largest all-goods sources are China at $139.9B, the USA, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Australia. Because the list covers every product, much of it reflects fuel and manufacturing inputs. It should not be used to infer who supplies the country’s cereals.
What it does indicate is a buyer base that is accustomed to sourcing across long routes and multiple regions. A new seller will be compared against established relationships, so clear specifications, consistent quality and reliable documentation are the most credible way to stand out.
The value covers the whole of chapter 10, so wheat, maize and other grains are inside it alongside rice. Rankings are reporter-declared for the latest year available, and re-exports or reporting gaps can shift positions. It is a signal to investigate, not a rice market size.
Ask the destination customs authority for the current import permit or quota position, plant-health and inspection rules, and packaging and labelling requirements. Confirm payment terms, currency, Incoterm and the port of entry before quoting.
For named companies, use customs shipment records: each entry lists the consignee, the HS code, the quantity and the declared value. Filter to the rice heading, group by consignee and note who ships regularly. The free marketplace on this site can bring in traders who publish demand directly.
South Korea is 11th of 96 markets in 2024 with $4.8B of chapter 10 imports, 3.2% of the ranked total. Spain is above at $4.9B and Algeria below at $4.6B.
No. They are 0.8% of $631.7B in total imports and rank 20th among import chapters, well behind fuels and electrical machinery.
Not directly. It covers the entire cereals chapter. To see rice specifically, filter customs shipment records to the rice heading and read the quantities and declared values.
Confirm current permits, quota position and inspection rules with customs, plus packaging and labelling. Then agree currency, payment terms, Incoterm and entry port in writing.
Keep exploring