South Korea's outbound shipments of agricultural products edged up in the January-November period from a year earlier, data showed Thursday, although other sectors faced an extended slump in outbound shipments.

The country's exports of agricultural goods grew 0.8 percent to reach $6.41 billion in the first 11 months of the year, according to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp.

Outbound shipments of fresh goods especially shot up, rising 7 percent on-year to hit $1.23 billion, and exports of such goods are widely expected to hit a fresh high this year, from its previous record high of $1.27 billion posted in 2018. 

The country's overall exports are widely projected to drop by 10 percent this year from a year earlier amid a slump in the chip industry coupled with the growing protectionism around the globe.

South Korea's exports slipped 14.3 percent in November from a year earlier to extend their slump to a 12th consecutive month. It marked the longest drop since the 19-month consecutive decrease seen from January 2015 to July 2016.

By products, exports of ginseng rose 9 percent to reach $184 million amid growing demand from Asian nations, including Vietnam and Japan.

Outbound shipments of kimchi, a traditional Korean side dish eaten with most meals, climbed 7 percent as the products are introduced at a higher number of large supermarkets in major areas, including the US.

Other key products that enjoyed a sharp increase in exports included strawberries, grapes, and onions. (Yonhap)