South Korea Cosmetics Exports 2025 Hit Record $11.4B as U.S. Overtakes China
South Korea's cosmetics exports reached a record $11.43 billion in 2025. The U.S. surpassed China as the top export destination for the first time in history.
$11.43 billion. That's the record-breaking figure South Korea's cosmetics industry reached in exports last year. Driven by the global surge in Korean culture popularity, outbound shipments rose 12.3% from the previous year, according to data from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
South Korea Cosmetics Exports 2025: A Historic Market Shift
The most significant development in the 2025 data is the changing of the guard among top export destinations. For the first time ever, the United States has become the No. 1 market for K-beauty. Exports to the U.S. climbed 15.1% to $2.19 billion, while shipments to China plummeted 19.2% to $2.01 billion. This pivot marks a successful strategic diversification away from heavy reliance on the Chinese market.
Global Reach Expands to 202 Countries
South Korea's global footprint in beauty is wider than ever. The number of countries importing its cosmetics reached 202 in 2025, up from 172 in 2024. Shipments to Japan grew 5% to $1.09 billion, while Hong Kong saw a massive 21.6% jump to $705 million. Double-digit growth was also observed across Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.
| Product Category | 2025 Export Value | Growth (YoY) |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Care | $8.54 Billion | +11.6% |
| Color Cosmetics | $1.51 Billion | +12.0% |
| Body Cleansing | $590 Million | +27.3% |
| Fragrance | $60 Million | +46.2% |
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