An Analysis of the Export Competitiveness of Korean Oysters across Major Import Markets

This study analyzes the export competitiveness of Korean oysters, focusing on frozen (HS 030712) and prepared (HS 160551) oysters, which together account for about 97% of Korea's oyster exports. Using 2017–2025 trade data, competitiveness is assessed through market share (MS), the Revealed Comparative Advantage index and its symmetric variant (RCA, RSCA), a market-specific comparative advantage index (MCA), and relative unit export value (RUV). Korea holds a comparative advantage in both products, but the patterns diverge: frozen oysters lead in market share yet rank second in RCA behind New Zealand, with share declining as Japan and China expand; prepared oysters trail China in share but rank first in RCA. At the market level, Korea's advantage covers less than half of global frozen-oyster imports, with declining shares in Hong Kong and Taiwan, while prepared oysters maintain an advantage across a larger share of import markets despite limited penetration in Canada. Korean frozen oysters occupy an intermediate price position between lower-priced Chinese and U.S. products and higher-priced Japanese, French, and New Zealand products. The findings highlight the need to defend declining markets, develop untapped ones, and address market access barriers, as illustrated by Australia's import restrictions.