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Key Points

South Korea has overtaken the US in cosmetics exports, now ranking second only to France. K-beauty’s rapid growth is fueled by booming demand in Europe and the Middle East. Exports to Poland and the UAE surged by 121% and 74% respectively. France remains the industry leader, but Korea’s 20.3% growth outpaces both the US and France.

Key Points: South Korea Surpasses US in Global Cosmetics Exports Behind France

  • South Korea exported $3.61B in cosmetics Jan-April
  • K-beauty demand surges in Poland and UAE
  • France remains top exporter with slower growth
  • US beauty exports lag behind Korea for first time
2 min read

South Korea overtakes US in cosmetics exports, now second globally

South Korea overtakes the US in beauty exports, now ranking second globally behind France as K-beauty surges in Europe and the Middle East.

"Korea’s cosmetics exports surged by 20.3% to become the number two exporter globally. – Korea International Trade Association"

New Delhi, June 30

South Korea's cosmetics exports surpassed those of the United States for the first time this year to take the second position globally, as per the data provided by the Korea International Trade Association, reports Korea Herald. Now, the only country trailing South Korea is 'industry powerhouse France,' according to the report.

Korea exported USD 3.61 billion worth of cosmetics between January and April, narrowly edging out the United States' USD 3.57 billion, according to the Korea International Trade Association. This marks Korea's first time overtaking the US in beauty exports, after its exports in the January-March period, which totalled USD 2.58 billion, had lagged behind America's USD 2.72 billion. This is the first time that South Korea has overpowered the US in the beauty exports segment.

Korea's cosmetics exports have been rising at a blistering pace. Currently, the ongoing rise of K-beauty is set to push further into emerging markets in Europe and the Middle East, including Poland, Ireland, Belgium, and the United Arab Emirates. According to data from the KITA, exports to Poland from January to May surged 121 per cent to USD 111.8 million, up from USD 50.4 million a year earlier, while exports to the UAE rose 74 per cent to USD 99.3 million from USD 57 million over the same period.

Last year, Korea's cosmetics exports totalled USD 10.3 billion, outpacing Germany's USD 9.08 billion to become the world's third-largest exporter, behind France and the US. While France and the US recorded growth of 6.3 per cent and 1.1 per cent, respectively, Korea's exports surged by 20.3 per cent to become the number two exporter globally.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Interesting data but I wonder - how much of this is due to their aggressive social media marketing? Every influencer seems to be pushing Korean products these days. Meanwhile, our own Himalaya and Forest Essentials don't get the same hype.
A
Ananya R
As someone who's used both French and Korean products, I must say K-beauty offers better value for money. Their sheet masks and sunscreens are game-changers for Indian skin types. But nothing beats French luxury for special occasions 💄
V
Vikram M
While this is impressive, I hope Indian brands step up their game. We have centuries of beauty wisdom in Ayurveda - imagine if we combined that with modern Korean marketing strategies! Make in India should focus on this sector too.
S
Sarah B
The 121% growth in Poland is mind-blowing! Shows how global beauty trends are shifting. I've noticed even my local beauty stores in Delhi stocking more K-beauty products than before. Their snail mucin products are surprisingly good!
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while Korean products are good, the environmental cost of all that packaging worries me. At least French brands are focusing more on sustainability. Hope K-beauty addresses this as they grow.

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