Data released by the South Korean government on Wednesday indicates that the country's biopharmaceutical exports for the first half of this year are projected to reach a record high.

According to figures from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, exports in this product category for the initial six months are estimated at $4.5 billion, marking a 15.3% increase year-over-year. This figure represents 86.5% of the total $5.2 billion in pharmaceutical exports for the half-year period.

South Korea's biopharmaceutical exports have grown from $4.9 billion in 2023 to $7.6 billion in 2025. Should this upward trajectory continue, the ministry forecasts that this year will set a new annual record.

As of June, South Korean biopharmaceutical products have been exported to 163 countries. Switzerland was the top destination, with exports valued at $770 million.

The United States followed closely with $610 million, and Hungary ranked third with $600 million. France entered the list of the top ten export destinations for South Korean biopharmaceuticals in the first half of the year for the first time, with exports reaching $160 million.

Analyzed by product type, recombinant protein drugs led with exports of $3.97 billion, followed by toxins and antitoxins at $280 million, and vaccines at $120 million.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety stated it will strive to maintain the export growth momentum for the biopharmaceutical industry in the second half of the year through regulatory innovation, information sharing, and proactive trade negotiations with key importers.