South Korea surpassed the United States in cosmetics exports with a record-breaking $11.4 billion in 2025, making Korean Beauty products the world’s second-largest cosmetics export category. France remained first with $24.3 billion in exports, while the United States fell to third place with $10.8 billion.
The number of export markets increased from 172 countries in 2024 to 202 countries last year. Among the top 10 destinations, exports to Poland surged by 111.7% and exports to the United Arab Emirates rose by 67.2%, reflecting rapidly growing demand for K-beauty products in Europe and the Middle East.
Demand for K-Beauty products is also surging in Europe and the Middle East, with exports to Poland and the UAE rising by 111.7% and 67.2% respectively.
The top export destination for South Korean products was the United States, with sales reaching $2.2 billion, up 15% from 2024. China ranked second with $2 billion, marking a 19% decline from 2024, while Japan came third with $1.1 billion.
At the same time, with imports totaling $1.29 billion against exports of $11.4 billion, the cosmetics sector recorded a trade surplus of $10.1 billion, surpassing the $10 billion mark for the first time since South Korea first posted a $90 million surplus in 2012. Cosmetics accounted for 12.9% of South Korea’s total trade surplus, which reached $78 billion last year.
Πηγή: Korean JoongAng Daily
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