Beer exports to South Korea drastically declined Impact of Japan-Korea relations September 27 17:53

Last month's trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance showed that food and beverage exports to South Korea decreased significantly, with beer being 92.1% lower than the previous month. It seems that this is influenced by the fact that South Korea is calling for not to buy Japanese products.

Last month, the amount of exports from Japan to Korea was 422.6 billion yen, a decrease of 9.4% compared to the same month last year. Among these, the export value of food and beverages decreased by 40.6%, and the drop in “beer” is particularly noticeable.

South Korea has been the largest exporter of beer so far, but last month's export value to South Korea decreased by 92.1% compared to the previous month, from 63,943 million yen to 50,900,000 yen.

In addition, the export value of “Sake” to South Korea decreased by 34.8% compared to the previous month, and decreased from ¥ 115.2 million to ¥ 75.1 million.

In addition, soft drinks and other beverages decreased 82.7%, instant noodles 72.4%, and soy sauce 33.2%.

It seems that the deterioration of the relations between Japan and Korea has influenced the movement to call for not buying Japanese products in Korea.

On the other hand, Korean products imported by Japan last month were approximately 240.3 billion yen, a decrease of 10.3% compared to the same month last year due to a decrease in electronic components such as semiconductors.

“I don't know the detailed reason from the statistics, but the overall trade with South Korea has been drastically decreasing,” said a person in charge of the Ministry of Finance.

Beer company "big influence"

The non-purchasing movement of Japanese products in South Korea due to the deterioration of Japan-Korea relations is also affecting beer exports.

Of these, Asahi has the top share of Korean imported beer.

Mainly manufacturing beer for South Korea at the Hakata factory in Fukuoka City, but it is said that it is “significantly affected” by the conflict between Japan and Korea.

Broadcasting of TV commercials in Korea has been suspended since the beginning of July.

“Kirin” also received a non-buying campaign and is currently suspending broadcasting of TV commercials in Korea.

“Suntory” and “Sapporo” also say that “there is an influence”. Sapporo means that sales of beer have been reduced and local sales agents are now taking two days of temporary vacation to employees this month.

As for the future, each company has a strict view, such as “I can't see the future” and “It's not a problem that can be managed by corporate efforts.