Telecom and chemical companies in South Korea look set to be asked by the Government to buy thousands of tonnes of garlic in a bid to avert a trade dispute with China.

The South Korean government fear that China could stop importing some of the country’s communications and chemical products because they have not kept an agreement to buy Chinese garlic.

Last year, a trade dispute between the countries developed after the Koreans raised import tariffs on garlic by 300% to protect its own farmers. The row was only settled when tariffs were reduced and Korea agreed to purchase a set amount of garlic from China.


China’s recent move in upping the price of garlic has resulted in Korean companies refusing to buy the product. Telecom manufacturers like Samsung, which is a key exporter to China, could suffer as a result of the dispute.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now