K-Beauty Exports Surge 15.4% in Q1–Q3, Marking Record-High Performance
outh Korea’s “K-Beauty” sector continues to shine in global markets.
According to the Korea Customs Service, cosmetic exports reached USD 8.52 billion in the first three quarters of 2025 — a 15.4% increase year-on-year, marking the highest-ever export value for the same period.
Following its first-ever annual record of over USD 10 billion in 2024, K-Beauty is once again on track to set new highs this year, with each quarter hitting a new record.
In the third quarter alone, exports climbed to USD 3 billion (up 17.6% year-on-year) — the largest quarterly figure to date — extending a nine-quarter streak of continuous growth since Q3 2023.
The Korea Customs Service stated, “As the Korean Wave regains global momentum, K-Beauty is leading the market with diverse, high-quality products that outshine competitors worldwide.”
K-Pop Impact and Rising Global Interest in Korean Aesthetics Drive Demand
The resurgence of the Korean Wave, fueled in part by the success of recent K-pop-themed films, has once again demonstrated Korea’s cultural influence.
As global fascination with “the beauty of Korea” grows, demand for Korean cosmetics has soared. Korean companies are rapidly expanding their global footprint through product innovation and uncompromising quality.
Exports of basic skincare products remain the largest share, while functional items such as sunscreens and anti-aging products, as well as color cosmetics like lipsticks, have posted strong growth.
Even smaller categories such as cleansers and perfumes continue to reach record highs year after year.
K-Beauty Now Exported to Over 200 Countries — U.S. Surpasses China as Top Market
The global reach of K-Beauty continues to expand.
After exporting to a record 199 countries last year, Korean cosmetics have already been shipped to over 200 countries in 2025. Of these, 141 countries have recorded their highest-ever export values for the same period, highlighting successful market diversification.
In a notable shift, the United States has overtaken China as the top export destination — a first in K-Beauty’s history. This milestone reflects the industry’s ability to develop new markets and strengthen existing partnerships despite the slowdown in China.
By product category, color cosmetics such as lipsticks and face powders lead in Japan, while functional products such as sunscreens and wrinkle sticks dominate in Vietnam.
K-Beauty Ranks as the World’s 3rd-Largest Exporter — A Rising Export Powerhouse Alongside Semiconductors and Automobiles
According to the Korea Customs Service, South Korea stands out among major cosmetic-exporting nations with its exceptional growth rate.
Over the past decade, exports have increased by approximately 3.5 times since 2015, propelling Korea to become the world’s third-largest cosmetics exporter in 2024.
With new records expected again this year, K-Beauty is not only strengthening its global presence but also emerging as a key contributor to South Korea’s trade surplus, joining semiconductors and automobiles as a leading “export champion” for the nation.
