If this trend continues, annual exports could surpass $10 billion for the first time, surpassing the previous record of $9.22 billion set in 2021.
The trade surplus also reached an all-time high of $3.97 billion, with imports totaling $850 million.
This achievement coincides with major Korean companies such as Amorepacific, LG Household & Health Care, Kolmar Korea, and Cosmax expanding their global presence with their overseas production facilities.
While China remains the largest market for Korean cosmetics at $1.21 billion, exports to the U.S. grew by 61.1 percent to $870 million, and Japan saw a 21.5 percent increase to $478 million.
The North American market is showing particularly strong growth, with major companies reporting annual increases of 40-50 percent in recent years. This growth is partly driven by increasing interest in anti-aging and sun protection products.
Meanwhile, France remains the top source of cosmetics imports for South Korea, reflecting the enduring popularity of established global beauty brands.
Korean cosmetics are now exported to 195 countries. The success of “K-beauty” can be largely attributed to the global spread of Korean cultural content, including films, dramas and social media.
The industry is also seeing success with independent indie brands, particularly in the U.S. market, where Korean suncare products are gaining popularity.
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