EU green packaging rules, Middle East halal market among key topics

China customs tightening, distribution access also on agenda

Over 110 domestic exporters briefed on local market intelligence

Attendees listen to presentations on overseas market entry strategies at the 2026 K-Food Global Export Strategy Forum, held at COEX in Seoul on Wednesday by the Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corporation. [Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corporation]
Attendees listen to presentations on overseas market entry strategies at the 2026 K-Food Global Export Strategy Forum, held at COEX in Seoul on Wednesday by the Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corporation. [Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corporation]

As tightening environmental regulations in Europe and stricter customs rules on imported food in China raise the cost of doing business abroad for K-food exporters, the Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corporation, known as aT, has mobilized all 20 of its overseas offices to develop market-specific responses. Strategies discussed ranged from adapting to eco-friendly packaging mandates in Europe to targeting the halal market in the Middle East.

aT said Thursday it held the 2026 K-Food Global Export Strategy Forum at COEX in Seoul on Wednesday, bringing together heads of its overseas branches and subsidiaries alongside representatives from more than 110 domestic export companies.

The forum was organized to help exporters navigate the spread of protectionism and the tightening of non-tariff barriers, and to support their entry into overseas markets. It was held in conjunction with an export consultation session featuring overseas buyers and a food week event, giving companies access to local market intelligence and opportunities to explore new export channels.

Regulatory pressure emerged as the central challenge in the European market. aT's Paris office presented strategies for complying with the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and outlined local trends in vegan consumption. Participants noted that exporters must now consider not only the competitiveness of their products but also their packaging materials and compliance with environmental rules.

Discussion on the Middle East focused on strategies for tapping into demand for halal food. The Dubai office shared an overview of the local halal market and approaches to securing an early foothold. The China regional headquarters outlined customs procedures for navigating tightened import food regulations and strategies for breaking into local distribution networks.

A separate meeting of overseas branch heads followed the forum, where participants reviewed this year's market development results and discussed plans to expand K-food exports next year. Jeon Gi-chan, aT's executive director for export food, and the heads of the 20 overseas offices and subsidiaries shared regulatory changes and operational challenges observed on the ground, and agreed to strengthen coordination between headquarters and the overseas network.

The discussions placed particular emphasis on tailoring the information and support provided to exporters to reflect the distinct regulatory environments and distribution conditions of each overseas market.

"Recent regulatory changes abroad have made it harder to enter export markets," one company representative at the forum said. "It was very helpful to hear firsthand practical experience and responses that have been built up on the ground."

"The greater the uncertainty in the global trade environment, the more important it becomes to gather information quickly and respond from the field," Jeon said. "We will further strengthen cooperation between our 20 overseas offices and headquarters to actively address the difficulties facing exporters and support K-food's continued growth in global markets."


adastra@heraldcorp.com