South Korea surpasses the US in cosmetics exports.

VTV.vn - South Korea will surpass the US for the first time to become the world's second-largest exporter of cosmetics in 2025.

According to data released by the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on May 23, the country's cosmetics exports last year reached a record high of $11.4 billion, an 11.8% increase compared to the previous year. With this result, South Korea surpassed the United States, which achieved $10.8 billion in exports, to become the world's second-largest exporter after France with $24.3 billion.

South Korea's cosmetics industry also surpassed the $10 billion mark for the first time, reaching $10.1 billion, while imports totaled only $1.29 billion. This is the highest level since South Korea began recording a trade surplus in this sector in 2012. The cosmetics industry currently contributes approximately 12.9% of South Korea's total trade surplus of $78 billion in 2025.

Regarding export markets, the US became the largest destination for Korean cosmetics for the first time, with sales increasing by 15% to $2.2 billion. Meanwhile, exports to China decreased by 19%, to $2 billion. Japan ranked third with $1.1 billion, followed by Hong Kong (China), Vietnam, Russia, and Taiwan (China).

The number of export markets also increased from 172 countries in 2024 to 202 countries last year. Notably, exports to Poland increased by 111.7% and to the United Arab Emirates by 67.2%, indicating rapidly expanding demand for K-beauty products in Europe and the Middle East.

Skincare products continued to play a leading role with a turnover of $8.5 billion, accounting for 74.7% of total cosmetics exports. Makeup products reached $1.5 billion, accounting for 13.2%.

South Korea's domestic cosmetics production also reached a record high of 17.9 trillion won (US$11.8 billion), a 2.3% increase from the previous year. LG H&H Group led in production with 3.9 trillion won, followed by Amorepacific with 3 trillion won.

Source: https://vtv.vn/han-quoc-vuot-my-ve-xuat-khau-my-pham-100260525153021664.htm