Chile on track to export fresh plums to South Korea in 2025

Chile is moving closer to becoming the first country allowed to ship fresh plums to South Korea. The market opening could happen in 2025, following progress on the strict sanitary protocols required by Korean authorities.

During a bilateral visit to Seoul on July 30, 2025, Chile’s Deputy Agriculture Minister Alan Espinoza Ortiz met with key officials, including Vice Minister Kang Hyoung‑Seok, to speed up market access. Technical inspections are scheduled for December 2025 as part of the approval process, which is currently in stage 5 of 8.

South Korea is an attractive destination for Chilean fruit, with over 51 million consumers and a per‑capita fruit intake of 55 kg per year. If approved, Chile could supply off‑season plums with high quality and freshness, complementing local production.

The Chilean industry is also preparing with improvements like electronic certification, in‑transit cold treatment, and faster maritime‑air logistics. These innovations could enhance food safety, reduce shipping times, and save an estimated USD 100 million annually.

With trade ties reinforced by the Chile‑Korea FTA and a 56.9% growth in fruit exports to Korea in 2024‑25, Chile is positioning itself as a leading supplier of premium fresh plums to this demanding Asian market.

source: frutasdechile.cl

photo: diariofruticola.cl