Korean cosmetics exports continue to grow for another year. As revealed by data from South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Korean cosmetics exports have reached 11.4 billion dollars, representing an 11.8% year-on-year increase. Regarding imports, these decreased by 2.3% to 1.29 billion dollars, and therefore, the country has achieved a trade surplus of 10.1 billion dollars.
The cosmetic products leading these exports are basic skincare products, as well as color makeup, which were the main drivers of exports.
The largest buyer in 2025 has been the United States, with purchases exceeding 2.2 billion dollars. It is followed by China, with 2 billion dollars, and Japan, with 1.1 billion dollars.
According to data shared by Korean authorities, the number of export destinations has grown to a total of 202 countries, 30 more than the previous year.
As indicated by Reuters news agency, Stephen Lee, an economist at Meritz Securities in Seoul, predicts stronger growth in the second half of the year, and cosmetics will also grow.
For reasons like this, it is demonstrated that Korean cosmetics are no longer a trend or a consumer preference. This milestone reflects years of investments in formulation improvement, manufacturing, digital commerce, and brand building. There are truly popular brands in Europe and other regions of the world that have already conquered consumers, such as: Beauty of Joseo, Anua, Torriden, Round Lab, COSRX, Medicube or Laneige.