Australian wheat challenges US for top spot in South Korea’s milling imports

Australia and the United States are locked in a fierce competition for leadership among South Korea’s milling wheat suppliers. Both countries are among the world’s largest wheat producers, but over the past decade Australia has significantly expanded exports to South Korea, gradually narrowing the traditional advantage held by the U.S.

According to the Korea Flour Mills Industrial Association, seven major domestic milling companies sourced 94% of their imported wheat from the U.S. and Australia in the first half of the year. Australia accounted for 51% (597,000 tons), while the U.S. supplied 43% (509,000 tons). By comparison, U.S. wheat led last year, but in the first half of this year, Australia overtook the U.S. in share.

Historically, South Korea relied heavily on U.S. wheat, but since the 1990s, the country has sought to diversify imports while Australia looked for new export markets. A decisive factor was the Korea–Australia Free Trade Agreement, which came into effect in 2014 and gradually reduced tariffs on Australian wheat, fully eliminating them by 2018.

Australia also tailored its wheat varieties to suit Asian preferences. With higher protein content and specific gluten properties, Australian wheat is ideal for making noodles that are soft yet chewy—a key quality for popular Korean foods such as ramyeon and udon.

Rising noodle consumption in South Korea further supports demand for Australian wheat. Industry data show that the domestic noodle market expanded from around 1 trillion won in the 1990s to nearly 3 trillion won in 2023. Major food companies often blend U.S. and Australian wheat to achieve the desired texture and quality in their final products.

Tags: South Korea, wheat, flour, USA, Australia