Korean Sweet Persimmon to Enter Chinese Market for the First Time(Nov 9)

Korean Sweet Persimmon to Enter Chinese Market for the First Time

After 17 years of quarantine negotiations, Korean-grown sweet persimmons will enter the Chinese market for the first time.

The South Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) announced on November 6 that the first shipment of Korean sweet persimmons for export to China was loaded at a ceremony held in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do. The total volume of this shipment is approximately 19.6 tons, comprising 1,960 boxes. These persimmons will be sold at premium retail stores including city'super supermarkets in Shanghai.

South Korea and China initiated quarantine negotiations for Korean sweet persimmon exports to China in 2008. The two sides signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Korean Fresh Persimmons to China during the November 2025 Korea-China summit, which served as a critical turning point.

MAFRA and aT plan to conduct promotional and consumer experience activities in major cities including Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen to help Korean sweet persimmons establish a foothold in the Chinese market. In particular, coinciding with the upcoming 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen, the Korean side will host Korean food experience events and buyer networking sessions from November 21 to 24.