US beef accounts for nearly a third of Korea's total beef consumption
Through the first 10 months of 2025, US beef exports to Korea were 3% higher in both volume and value compared to the same period in 2024.
Korean consumers show increased interest in US beef
In Korea, political turmoil, trade uncertainties and economic challenges have not slowed consumers’ appetite for US beef. Through the first 10 months of 2025, US beef exports to Korea are 3% higher in both volume (194,407 mt) and value ($1.85 billion) compared to the same period in 2024. US beef exports to Korea surpassed $2 billion for the fifth consecutive year in 2025, accounting for nearly a third of Korea’s total beef consumption.
The sustained growth in US beef exports to Korea is a testament to US industry efforts toward building confidence among consumers in the safety of US beef. When US beef re-entered the Korean market in 2008 after a lengthy BSE-related closure, less than 10% of consumers trusted its safety. A consumer survey from December 2025 shows that, for the third consecutive year, more than 70% of respondents expressed confidence in the safety of US beef.
Support from the Beef Checkoff Program and USDA have played a critical role in this effort.
Source: US Meat Export Federation
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