South Korea Data Agency: Yellow Croaker Prices Up 16.9% in H1 on Higher Fuel Costs

South Korea’s National Data Agency said consumer price data released on July 9 showed yellow croaker prices rose 16.9% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, among the biggest gains for major agricultural, forestry, livestock and fishery products, according to Jiemian News. Analysts cited higher international oil prices lifting fishing fuel costs, prompting some vessels to reduce trips or halt operations and tightening domestic supply. The data also showed rice, ginseng and potatoes rose 15.1%, 14.6% and 10.5% year-on-year, while imported mango prices increased 13.1% due to weather-related output declines and higher import costs linked to a weaker won. In contrast, prices fell for several items including carrots (-37.8%), cabbage (-35.0%), white radish (-33.7%), chives (-21.4%), pears (-20.9%), onions (-19.8%) and napa cabbage (-18.5%). Higher oil prices and exchange-rate pressures also pushed up processed food and dining costs. Among processed foods, dried pollock rose 15.1% year-on-year, while Korean chili paste rose 12.1%, salted seafood 10.5% and pickled radish 10.4%; soybean paste and soy sauce each rose more than 8%, the report said.