South Korea's cosmetics exports reached a record US$11.4 billion in 2025, surpassing the United States to become the world's second-largest cosmetics exporter behind France, according to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Exports rose 11.8% year-on-year, and the sector's trade surplus exceeded US$10 billion for the first time. The United States became Korea's largest export market, with sales rising 15% to US$2.2 billion, overtaking China, where exports declined 19% to US$2 billion. Export markets expanded from 172 to 202 countries, with strong growth in Poland and the UAE. Skincare remained the dominant export category, accounting for 74.7% of total cosmetics exports, followed by color cosmetics at 13.2%. Domestic cosmetics production hit a record 17.9 trillion won, with LG H&H, Amorepacific, and Aekyung Industrial leading production volumes, while Cosmax and Kolmar Korea remained the top ODM manufacturers. The figures highlight the continued global expansion of K-beauty, driven by growing international demand for Korean skincare, stronger diversification beyond China, and the increasing competitiveness of Korea's manufacturing and export ecosystem.
Source: Read the original report | Published: May 26, 2026