Yesterday, according to report, South Korea has emerged as a new global heavyweight in the beauty industry, officially surpassing the United States in cosmetics exports and rising to second place worldwide, according to recent data from the Korea International Trade Association (KITA). From January to April 2025, South Korea exported $3.61 billion worth of cosmetics — narrowly edging out the United States’ $3.57 billion over the same period. This marks the first time that South Korea has overtaken the U.S. in beauty exports, a milestone that underscores the growing global clout of Korean beauty, often referred to as “K-beauty.”
The achievement reflects years of rapid and sustained growth in South Korea’s beauty industry. Just last year, the country’s cosmetics exports totaled $10.3 billion, up 20.3 percent year-over-year, far outpacing the growth rates of its closest competitors. For comparison, France’s exports grew 6.3 percent, while the U.S. recorded only a 1.1 percent increase. In doing so, South Korea leapfrogged over Germany, which posted $9.08 billion in exports, to become the world’s third-largest exporter in 2024. Now, less than a year later, it has claimed the No. 2 spot.
Monthly export data reveals the steady and impressive momentum behind this growth. In January, South Korea shipped $750.8 million worth of cosmetics. That figure rose to $885.9 million in February, $939.9 million in March, and peaked at $1.03 billion in April. If the current pace continues, South Korea may close the gap with France — the longstanding global leader — and reshape the global beauty export landscape in the years ahead.
In recent years, South Korean beauty companies have seen underwhelming performance in the Chinese market, while Japan, as well as markets in Europe and North America, are emerging as new growth engines. According to first-quarter 2025 financial reports, LG Household & Health Care — a leading K-beauty conglomerate — recorded year-on-year growth of 3.1% in North America and 6.1% in other regions. Meanwhile, Amorepacific’s sales surged by an impressive 102.1% year-on-year.
