Korea's exports of seafood products hit an all-time high of $3.33 billion last year, driven by rising overseas demand for dried seaweed goods, government data showed Thursday. The figure marked a 9.7 percent increase from $3.03 billion in exports in 2024, according to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. Exports of dried seaweed, called "gim" in Korean, jumped 13.7 percent on-year to a record $1.13 billion thanks to strong demand from overseas markets. Outbound shipments of mackerel spiked 128.8 percent to $200 million, while exports of squid surged 48.7 percent to $110 million. By destination, exports to the U.S. rose 9 percent on-year to $520 million in 2025, led by the popularity of seasoned gim products, tuna and oysters, despite Washington's tariff scheme. Exports to Japan added 3.1 percent to $680 million, while shipments to China increased 8 percent to $620 million. "Last year's export performance, achieved amid uncertainties in the global trade environment, demonstrates the competitiveness of our seafood products," acting Oceans Minister Kim Sung-bum said in a press release.