Korea's coffee bean imports hit record in 2022

Korea's imports of coffee beans hit a new record in 2022, data showed Tuesday, in the latest sign of the drink's growing popularity in Asia's fourth-largest economy.

Imports of coffee beans, including both raw and roasted products, reached $1.3 billion last year, soaring 42.4 percent from $920 million posted in 2021, according to the Korea Customs Service.

In terms of volume, imports reached 200,000 tons, up 9.5 percent over the period, the agency added, enough to make 1.3 cups of coffee for all adults in Korea daily.

By product, South Korea's imports of raw beans advanced 10 percent on-year in 2022 to reach 180,000 tons, and those of roasted products gained 4.9 percent to 20,000 tons.

Of raw bean imports, 26 percent were from Brazil, 18 percent Vietnam and 17 percent Colombia.

In terms of roasted beans, 58 percent were from the United States,14 percent Switzerland and 12 percent Italy. Yonhap