The Power of Ginseng: Health Benefits and Global Impact

Ginseng, a revered root with centuries-old roots in traditional medicine, is making waves in 2025 for its health benefits and economic significance. From Wisconsin’s fertile fields to Asia’s bustling markets, ginseng’s story is one of cultural heritage, scientific innovation, and global trade challenges. Let’s explore why this ancient herb remains a modern powerhouse.

What Makes Ginseng Special?

Ginseng, particularly American and Korean red ginseng, is prized for its unique properties. American ginseng, grown predominantly in Wisconsin, offers a cooling, tonifying effect, distinct from the more stimulating Asian varieties. Its slightly bitter, herbal flavor is a staple in Chinese medicine, often consumed dried, powdered, or as tea (Wisconsin Public Radio, 2025).

According to the report by Next Move Strategy Consulting, the global Ginseng Market size is predicted to reach USD 1.40 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 2.5% from 2024-2030.

Red ginseng is recognized by Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for seven health benefits, including immunity and blood sugar support. KGC continues to advance R&D, quality, and global growth.

Key Takeaways:

• American ginseng thrives in Wisconsin’s unique soil and climate.

• Korean red ginseng is processed for enhanced health benefits.

• Ginseng is a global health staple, especially in Chinese medicine.

Health Benefits of Korean Red Ginseng

Korean red ginseng, processed through steaming and drying for enhanced potency, is a cornerstone of health and wellness, particularly in Korean health traditions. At the 2025 Growth Asia Summit in Singapore, Korea Ginseng Corp. (KGC) highlighted seven key health benefits of its JungKwanJang red ginseng, officially recognized by Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. These include:

• Boosting Immunity: Enhances the body’s ability to fight infections.

• Regulating Blood Sugar: Improves markers like fasting blood sugar and GLP-1.

• Supporting Men’s Health: RXGIN Red Ginseng Oil, a JungKwanJang innovation, aids prostate health in middle-aged men, with proven clinical effectiveness.

• Blood Sugar & Weight Management: KGC’s GLPro brand, backed by clinical trials, improves nine blood sugar indicators and, through GLPro Double Cut, also helps manage body fat—addressing modern lifestyle concerns.

• Global & Domestic Impact: KGC’s innovations have achieved strong demand both in Korea and worldwide, highlighting their R&D strength and product reliability.

• Comparative Insight: American ginseng, used in Chinese medicine for its cooling and tonifying effects, offers similar applications though benefits may vary (Wisconsin Public Radio, 2025).

• Overall Value: Korean red ginseng’s validated benefits make it a versatile supplement for immunity, energy, circulation, and metabolic health.

Who Are the Leading Players in the Ginseng Market?

Key companies in the ginseng industry include KGE Co. Ltd., Korea Ginseng Corp, Hain Celestial Group, ELEMIS Ltd., RFI Ingredients, AOS Products Pvt. Ltd., Pure And Cure Life Sciences, Jeeva Organic Pvt. Ltd., ABCO, Daedong Korea Ginseng Co., The Boots Company PLC, KOEI KOGYO Co., Baoji Herbest Bio-Tech Co., Changsha Huir Biological-Tech Co., Clariant, among others. To maintain their market positions, these players are implementing strategies such as business expansion, strategic partnerships, and collaborations.

Ginseng’s Role in Global Trade

China consumes more ginseng than any other country, driving demand for American ginseng exports (Wisconsin Public Radio, 2025). Wisconsin, producing nearly all U.S. ginseng, relies heavily on exports to mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. However, trade tensions, including a 117% tariff on U.S. ginseng in April 2025, disrupted exports. A 90-day tariff pause in May reduced the tax to 32.5%, but uncertainty persists as growers like Hsu’s Ginseng Enterprises await details of a new U.S.-China trade deal announced in June 2025.

Specialty products—namely pork offal and breeding livestock—have confronted similar volatility, with China as the predominant destination. Escalating tariffs triggered sharp price swings, although a 90-day tariff pause provided temporary reprieve.

Key Trade Insights:

• China’s Dominance: No other market matches China’s ginseng consumption.

• Tariff Impact: High tariffs (up to 117%) disrupt exports, with pauses offering temporary relief.

• Competitive Pressure: Canada and China’s lower-priced ginseng challenge U.S. growers.

Innovations in Ginseng Products

KGC’s innovations have expanded ginseng’s accessibility. Their JungKwanJang brand offers products in various formats—liquid, stick, capsule, jelly, and film—catering to diverse consumer needs. Popular products include:

These products are sold in over 40 countries through major retailers like Amazon and Costco (BusinessKorea, 2025). KGC’s focus on R&D ensures products meet modern health trends, such as slow aging and blood sugar management.

KGC’s innovative product formats and targeted health benefits position ginseng as a global health brand.

Challenges for Ginseng Growers

Ginseng’s long growth cycle (3–5 years) makes it difficult for growers to adapt to trade fluctuations. Wisconsin’s Hsu’s Ginseng Enterprises, holding over 80% of its 2024 crop due to tariff uncertainty, reduced planting in 2025 to mitigate risk (Wisconsin Public Radio, 2025). Competitors’ cheaper alternatives further threaten U.S. growers, as Chinese consumers may switch to more affordable options.

Long growth cycles and trade uncertainties pose significant challenges for ginseng producers, with no easy solutions.

Next Steps: How to Engage with Ginseng

Here are some actionable steps:

• Try Ginseng Products: Sample JungKwanJang’s Everytime or GLPro for daily wellness.

• Shop Wisely: Purchase American ginseng from trusted U.S. suppliers like Hsu’s Ginseng Enterprises to support growers.

• Stay Informed: Follow U.S.-China trade updates to understand market impacts.

• Understand Product Benefits: Review clinical trial information for products like KGC’s GLPro or RXGIN Red Ginseng Oil to ensure they align with your health goals, as these are backed by studies for blood sugar and men’s health benefits.

• Explore Global Retail: Check platforms like Amazon or Costco for KGC’s innovative ginseng products.

Ginseng’s blend of tradition, science, and global trade makes it a fascinating subject. Whether you’re seeking health benefits or curious about its economic impact, ginseng’s story is one to watch in 2025 and beyond.