The ROK and the PRC Finalize the Persimmon Export Deal at the Summit in 17 Years

Sejong, 2 November 2025 — On 2 November 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of the Republic of Korea (ROK) has announced that the quarantine negotiation with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which had been underway since 2008 to enable the export of Korean persimmons, was finally concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the ROK-PRC summit on 1 November.

This achievement comes 17 years after the Republic of Korea first requested permission to export persimmons to the People’s Republic of China in 2008, and
thus marks a significant milestone in opening a gateway to the vast Chinese market with a population of 1.4 billion.

Throughout the negotiation process, the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) of the Republic of Korea developed science-based pest management measures to address the People’s Republic of China’s concerns. As a result, the two nations reached a final agreement on quarantine requirements based on mutual trust, thus paving the way for exports to begin.

To export Korean persimmons to the People’s Republic of China, orchards and packing facilities must be registered, pest monitoring must be conducted, and specific

quarantine-related information must be included on the phytosanitary certificate.

The APQA plans to swiftly implement follow-up measures, including the enactment of relevant regulations and provision of training for farmers, to lay the groundwork for export expansion.

H.E. SONG Miryung, Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Republic of Korea said: “The conclusion of this quarantine negotiation will

serve as a new stepping stone for Korean persimmon farmers to enter new export markets. We will continue to actively identify promising export items and pursue strategic quarantine negotiations to expand exports and open new markets for Korean agricultural products.”