SEOUL, July 3 Xinhua  South Korea's export of agricultural and food products rose in single digits in the first half of this year due to higher demand from the United States and Europe, government data showed Wednesday. Outbound shipment of locallymade food and farm goods as well as pet food grew 5.2 percent from a year earlier to 6.21 billion U.S. dollars during the JanuaryJune period, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The agrifood products export to the United States advanced 17.0 percent to 736.8 million dollars, but shipment to Japan declined 7.0 percent to 671.3 million dollars. Shipment to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ASEAN expanded 3.3 percent to 935.7 million dollars, and export to Europe surged 30.2 percent to 339.8 million dollars. Those to Latin America and the Middle East gained in double digits to 112.7 million dollars and 155.0 million dollars each. By item, instant noodle shipment spiked 32.3 percent to 590.2 million dollars in the sixmonth period, and shipment for processed rice food soared 41.4 percent to 136.9 million dollars. Ginseng export added 1.2 percent to 152.8 million dollars, while those for confectionery and beverage mounted to 354.1 million dollars and 325.7 million dollars each. Enditem
South Korea's exports of agricultural and food products grew in the first half of the year due to increased demand from the US and Europe. Total exports reached $6.21 billion, with significant increases in shipments to the US and Europe. However, exports to Japan saw a decline. Instant noodle and processed rice food exports notably increased.