South Korea has achieved a significant milestone in international trade, rising to become the world’s second-largest exporter of cosmetics—overtaking the United States and now trailing only behind France. This achievement reflects the country’s growing strength in high-value, innovation-driven exports and its expanding influence in global consumer markets.
Between January and April 2025, South Korea exported $3.61 billion worth of cosmetics, slightly surpassing the U.S. figure of $3.57 billion for the same period. The steady growth in outbound shipments signals increasing global demand for Korean beauty products, known for their innovation, quality, and affordability.
In 2024, South Korea already ranked third globally with $10.3 billion in cosmetic exports, having surpassed Germany. The latest data shows a 20.3% year-on-year growth rate—significantly outpacing France’s 6.3% and the United States’ 1.1% growth—highlighting South Korea’s exceptional trade performance in the beauty sector.
Rising demand from emerging markets is fueling this momentum. From January to May 2025, exports to Poland surged 121% year-on-year to $111.8 million, while exports to the United Arab Emirates climbed 74% to $99.3 million. These figures point to successful market diversification and strong brand penetration across Europe and the Middle East.
This development not only showcases South Korea’s global competitiveness in the beauty industry but also serves as a testament to its strategic trade practices—leveraging digital platforms, regional outreach, and export-focused innovation. As the country broadens its trade relationships, its leadership in cosmetics is becoming a model of success in international commerce.
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