South Korea Cosmetics Exports Surge Past US, Rank 2nd Globally Behind France

South Korea's cosmetics export boom surges ahead in 2025, as K-beauty surpasses the United States to claim the world’s second-largest exporter position, according to recent data from the Korea International Trade Association (KITA). Between January and April, South Korea shipped $3.61 billion worth of beauty products just edging out the US’s $3.57 billion , marking the country's first time overtaking America in this category. K-beauty products contributing to South Korea cosmetics exports growth Explosive Growth Keeps Upward Trajectory South Korea’s cosmetics sector has been growing robustly. In 2024, it exported $10.3 billion , surpassing Germany’s $9.08 billion and securing its place as the third-largest global exporter behind France and the US . During the same year, exports grew a blistering 20.3% , outpacing France's 6.3% and the US's 1.1% . Monthly Export Surge This momentum continued into 2025 with monthly export figures rising from $750.8 million in Janua...