SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / MENA Newswire / — South Korea’s cosmetics exports reached US$5.6 billion in the first five months of 2026, government data showed, rising from US$4.6 billion a year earlier. The increase put Korean cosmetics at the top of the country’s major consumer goods export categories. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources reported the January to May figures as K-beauty products continued to gain overseas sales.
The data showed cosmetics led five major consumer goods groups tracked by the government. Those categories cover agricultural and fishery products, cosmetics, fashion apparel, household goods and pharmaceuticals. Agricultural and fishery products had held the top spot for the previous three years. Cosmetics moved ahead after sustained growth in skincare, makeup and other Korean beauty exports.
The latest figures add to a record run for South Korea’s cosmetics industry. Exports first passed US$10 billion in 2024. They then reached an all-time high of US$11.4 billion in 2025. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety earlier said 2025 exports rose 12.3 percent from 2024, with the United States ranking as the largest market.
Cosmetics lead consumer exports
The export rise came despite weaker shipments to China, long one of South Korea’s largest beauty markets. Government data showed stronger sales in the United States and Europe. The shift helped support total Korean cosmetics exports in the January to May period. K-beauty brands also remained visible in global retail channels, including skincare, masks, serums and makeup products.
First-quarter data had already pointed to a strong start to 2026. Korean beauty product exports reached US$3.1 billion from January to March, up 19 percent from a year earlier. That was a first-quarter record. The five-month figure showed the pace continued through April and May, as cosmetics stayed among South Korea’s better performing export products.
K-beauty sales broaden overseas
The United States was South Korea’s largest cosmetics export market in 2025, with shipments of US$2.2 billion. China and Japan followed among the main destinations. The top 10 markets accounted for more than 70 percent of total exports last year. South Korea also expanded its cosmetics export reach to 202 countries in 2025, compared with 172 in 2024.
The latest export total highlights the growing role of cosmetics in South Korea’s consumer goods trade. K-beauty exports now include a wide range of mass-market and premium products. The sector’s 2026 performance also builds on two straight annual milestones, with exports crossing US$10 billion in 2024 and setting a new record in 2025.