South Korea exported a report $11.4 billion price of cosmetics in 2025, surpassing america and securing the place of the world’s second-largest cosmetics exporter behind France, based on knowledge launched by the Ministry of Meals and Drug Security on Saturday.
The determine represents an 11.8% enhance from the earlier yr. France led international cosmetics exports with $24.3 billion, whereas america ranked third with $10.8 billion. South Korea and the U.S. swapped positions from 2024.
The cosmetics sector recorded a commerce surplus of $10.1 billion in 2025, with imports totaling $1.29 billion. This marked the primary time the excess exceeded $10 billion since South Korea first recorded a surplus of $90 million in 2012. Cosmetics accounted for 12.9% of the nation’s total commerce surplus of $78 billion final yr.
Export Market Shifts
The USA grew to become South Korea’s largest cosmetics export vacation spot in 2025, with gross sales rising 15% to $2.2 billion. China ranked second at $2 billion, down 19% from the earlier yr. Japan held third place with $1.1 billion.
Different key markets included Hong Kong, Vietnam, Russia and Taiwan. The variety of export locations expanded from 172 nations in 2024 to 202 in 2025. Among the many prime 10 markets, Poland noticed exports surge 111.7% and the United Arab Emirates 67.2%, displaying rising demand in Europe and the Center East.
Product Breakdown
Skincare merchandise led exports with $8.5 billion, accounting for 74.7% of whole cosmetics exports. Colour cosmetics contributed $1.5 billion, or 13.2%. Collectively, these two classes represented 87.9% of all cosmetics exports.
Home Manufacturing
Home cosmetics manufacturing reached a report 17.9 trillion gained ($11.8 billion) in 2025, up 2.3% from the earlier yr. LG H&H led with 3.9 trillion gained in manufacturing, adopted by Amorepacific at 3 trillion gained and Aekyung Industrial at 296.6 billion gained.
Amongst authentic design producers, Cosmax topped the checklist with 1.6 trillion gained, forward of Kolmar Korea at 1.3 trillion gained and Cosmecca Korea at 353.1 billion gained.
Business Developments
The sturdy export efficiency displays the continued international recognition of Ok-beauty merchandise. South Korean cosmetics have gained market share by means of revolutionary formulations, efficient skincare options and cultural affect through media and leisure.
The Ministry of Meals and Drug Security knowledge highlights the sector’s rising contribution to South Korea’s economic system and commerce stability. On-line exports by small and medium-sized enterprises additionally confirmed energy, surpassing $300 million in the primary quarter of 2026 based on separate studies.
World Context
South Korea’s cosmetics trade has expanded steadily over the previous decade. The nation has centered on analysis and growth, high quality requirements and worldwide certification to help development in the worldwide magnificence market. Main corporations together with LG H&H and Amorepacific have invested in worldwide advertising and localized manufacturing in key markets.
The rise in exports to america and new development in Europe and the Center East demonstrates diversification past conventional Asian markets. The sector’s commerce surplus has change into an more and more essential issue in South Korea’s total commerce efficiency.
Initially revealed on ibtimes.co.kr
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