After five-years of gains, imports fell sharply in 2019, down nearly 20,000 MT.  Canada took the brunt of the declines (see below). It should be noted imports in the prior year 2018 climbed sharply.  Canadian imports, despite the sharp drop in 2019, continue to show steady growth of 1.3% annually.

 

Total South Korea oat imports year-to-date (Jan-Mar) are mainly unchanged (see below). 

 

South Korea is in the top seven major global oat importers.  The quantities, while relatively small compared to China, Mexico and Japan, are higher quality oats. 

 

Australia imports, which account for 25% of the South Korean market, have been declining at the rate of 15.2% annually.

US and Chile imports are growing at an annual rate 30% and 44% respectively but volumes are small.