Exports of sesame oil from January to April this year hit a record high. The trend is seen as driven by growing demand in the West, including the United States, for healthy vegetable oils, as well as sesame oil's establishment as a premium dressing drizzled over salads and other dishes.
The Korea Customs Service said on the 2nd that sesame oil exports from January to April this year rose 37% from a year earlier to $6.14 million (about 9.28 billion won). Export volume also climbed 47.6% to 657 tons (t), likewise setting an all-time high.
By country, exports to the North American market stood out. Exports of sesame oil to the United States, the largest destination, jumped 170.8% from a year earlier to $2.6 million, accounting for 41.7% of total exports. Shipments to Canada surged 249% to $600,000. Exports to Europe, including the Netherlands, increased 42.7%.
Meanwhile, sesame oil has been exported to around 80 countries each year over the past five years.