[Courtesy of LG Electronics]
SEOUL -- Exports of South Korean dishwashers for family use hit a record high of $245.8 million in 2020 as a COVID-19 pandemic raised the awareness of hygiene and home cooking to avoid visiting restaurants and other crowded places.
The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) said in a report that the shipment of home dishwashers from South Korea rose 41 percent on-year in 2020. COVID-19 was cited as the key reason for boosting dishwasher exports, along with an increase in single-person households and efforts to reduce the burden of household labor.
By country, dishwasher exports to the United States stood at $149.8 million, followed by Canada with $27 million and the United Arab Emirates with $23.9 million. Australia was fourth with $10.58 million. The KITA report listed the U.S., Russia, and Germany as the markets with the highest export potential for home dishwashers. South Korean dishwashers were ranked No. 1 in the assessment of U.S. consumer satisfaction.
South Korean home appliance makers have improved the performance of dishwashers, with LG Electronics using steam technology to strengthen washing power, hygiene and convenience. Dishwasher sales also rose at home as COVID-19 brought a fresh change to South Korea's eating culture. Home cooking content on YouTube and other social media gained attention, encouraging people to try various types of new home meal recipes.
reporter
Lim Chang-won
cwlim34@ajunews.com
