en.Wedoany.com Reported - According to a report released by the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, South Korea's rice production is expected to decline for the fifth consecutive year. The report states that rice production in the 2026-27 marketing year may drop to 3.5 million tons, primarily due to the South Korean government's continued efforts to encourage farmers to shift to other crops in order to reduce rice surpluses.
South Korea's rice consumption continues to decline, with per capita consumption dropping from 56.4 kg in 2023 to 53.9 kg in 2025. Consumer preferences shifting towards wheat-based foods and meat are putting pressure on rice production. The FAS stated: "Consumers' strong and sustained preference for Home Meal Replacement (HMR) products has replaced direct consumption and is expected to maintain the downward trend in table rice consumption, while increasing the demand for rice for processing."
Meanwhile, South Korea's total wheat consumption is projected to increase to approximately 3.9 million tons in 2026-27, mainly driven by growth in demand for feed wheat. Although the use of wheat for food, seed, and industrial purposes remains stable, overall consumption fluctuations are largely determined by feed demand.
Government policy adjustments are also a significant factor affecting the rice market. FAS analysis indicates that the South Korean government's diversion of rice for feed use was once a key driver of consumption changes. However, in 2026-27, due to the agricultural sector actively controlling production in response to declining consumption, surplus supply is limited, reducing the amount of rice available for feed. This series of changes reflects how South Korea's agricultural structure is adjusting in line with consumption habits and policy direction.
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