S. Korea's kimchi exports hit all-time high of $46.57 million in Q1

South Korea's exports of kimchi reached an all-time high of $46.57 million in the January-March period, up 54.3 from a year earlier, according to the data from the Korea Customs Service and industry sources.

It was the largest quarterly figure ever for Kimchi exports, breaking the previous yearly record of $42.08 million posted in the second quarter of 2020.

Kimchi exports to Japan advanced nearly 68 percent on-year to $24.72 million, while those to the US soared 80.6 percent to $8.46 million. Hong Kong's demand for kimchi also increased, with exports jumping 50.3 percent to $2.34 million.

South Korea also imported $38.51 million worth of kimchi in the first quarter, up 7.4 percent on-year, but still resulting in a kimchi trade surplus of $8.06 million.

The surplus is the largest since the $9.35 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2009.

In terms of volume, the country's kimchi exports reached 11,181 tons in the quarter.

The fermented food is considered an immunity booster, giving rise to its popularity amid the COVID-19 outbreak.