The current size, characteristics. and channels of distribution of the offshore export (non North American) market for ginseng products are described. The apparent size of the worlds export market for ginseng products in 1987 is 3,363 tonnes. The major export markets for ginseng are Hong Kong (1,972.4 tonnes) and Japan (540.9 tonnes). The volume of ginseng imported into Hong Kong has doubled over the past five years from 976.3 tonnes in 1983 to 1,972.4 tonnes in 1987. This increase is reflective of an expanding Chinese market. In terms of products forms, the toast majority of ginseng imported into China is in root form, while Japan imports both red and white ginseng as well as ginseng beverages and medical products. Hong Kong is the destination of over 86f; of the volume of North American ginseng exported between 1983 and 1987. North American ginseng products are distributed by ginseng brokers or importers/exporters.