Korean Seafood Trade Mission to Boston Seafood Show & Washington State Leads to $12.5 million in Potential Export Sales

ATO Seoul recruited mission members and coordinated the visit of eight Korean seafood importers to the International Boston Seafood Show, March 11-13, 2012. In addition to the show visit, 1-on-1 business meetings and site visits in Seattle arranged by Washington State Department of Agriculture’s International Trade Program staff allowed the importers to meet suppliers of various American seafood products and to gain a better understanding of the U.S. seafood sector. According to the mission participants surveyed right after the activity, the trade mission resulted in $12.5 million of potential purchases from U.S. seafood suppliers over the next 12 months. In calendar year 2011, Korea imported $142 million of U.S. seafood, up 26 percent from $112 million in 2010.

Korean Organic & Natural Product Buying Mission Team visits Natural Product Expo West (NPEW), March 8 – 13, 2012 in Anaheim California

ATO recruited 8 Korean organic & natural products buyers to the Natural Product Expo West (NPEW) 2012 Show in Anaheim, California to develop the opportunities of trade. In addition to the show visit, ATO arranged to visit one of the largest distribution company, United Natural Foods Incorporate (UNFI) in Moreno Valley and several market tours including WholeFoods Markets (organic & natural products grocery store), Traders Joe’s, Alberts and some restaurants in the city. These side visits aids to deepen the understanding of U.S. market for natural & organic food products. It was a good opportunity to develop new contacts other than our invited buyers for ATO Seoul.

ATO Seoul Hosts FTA Implementation Reception, March 22, 2012

ATO Seoul hosted Ambassador Sung Kim and the members of the Korean agricultural trade sector at a reception to celebrate implementation of the Korean-United States Free Trade Agreement. The occasion also marked the 30th Anniversary of ATO Seoul and a re-opening of the ATO after recent renovations. Three members of the Korean business community, Mr. Tae Won Yoon, President, Gilim International, Mr. Hyo Hi Yoo, President, Song Rim Trading / KAFI, and Mr. Young Hoon Oh, Chairman, Jinwon Trading, received plaques of appreciation for their years of support of ATO Seoul and their contributions to the development of Korea-U.S. trade relations.