According to the latest data from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of South Korea, the country’s cosmetic exports reached a record high of $11.4 billion in 2025, surpassing the United States to become the world’s second-largest exporter. The industry’s trade surplus also exceeded $10 billion for the first time, indicating strong growth momentum.
**2025 Export Value:** $11.4 billion, up 11.8% year-on-year. **Global Ranking:** Second only to France ($24.3 billion), surpassing the US ($10.8 billion). **Trade Surplus:** $10.1 billion, breaking the $10 billion mark for the first time since 2012. **Largest Export Market:** The US became the top buyer of South Korean cosmetics with $2.2 billion in sales, replacing China. **Key Product Category:** Skincare accounted for 74.7% of total exports, reaching $8.5 billion.
**Market Shift: US Replaces China as Top Buyer** Data shows a significant shift in the geographic distribution of South Korean cosmetic exports. In 2025, the US became the largest export destination, with sales rising 15% to $2.2 billion. China, the previous top market, fell to second place with $2.0 billion, down 19%. Japan ranked third with $1.1 billion, followed by Hong Kong, Vietnam, Russia, and Taiwan.
**Export Market Diversification: Rising Demand from Europe and Middle East** The number of export destinations for South Korean cosmetics expanded from 172 countries in 2024 to 202 in 2025, reflecting growing global influence. Among the top 10 destinations, exports to Poland surged 111.7%, and exports to the United Arab Emirates increased 67.2%, indicating rapidly growing demand for K-beauty products in Europe and the Middle East.
**Skincare Leads, Domestic Production Also Hits Record** By product category, skincare and color cosmetics were the main drivers of export growth. Skincare exports reached $8.5 billion, accounting for 74.7% of total exports, while color cosmetics contributed $1.5 billion, or 13.2%. Together, these two categories accounted for 87.9% of all cosmetic exports. Meanwhile, domestic cosmetic production value also hit a record, growing 2.3% to 17.9 trillion won. Among companies, LG Household & Health Care led with 3.9 trillion won in production value, followed by Amorepacific with 3.0 trillion won.
Source: koreajoongangdaily.joins.com Cover image: Adobe Stock
Source: Read the original report | Published: May 22, 2026