South Korea's cosmetics exports exceeded $4.8 billion in the first half of this year, the highest ever. According to the Korea Customs Service's trade statistics, the value of cosmetics exports in the first half of the year rose 18.1 per cent from the same period last year to $4.82 billion (about 6.7 trillion won), a record high on a half-yearly basis. 

If the trend continues through the end of the year, exports could surpass $10 billion for the first time ever. The previous annual peak was $9.22bn in 2021. It will be interesting to see if South Korea's cosmetics exports will continue to grow.

Exports to the US and Japan have increased significantly, while exports to China, the largest market, have declined. In the first half of this year, cosmetics exports to China accounted for $1.21 billion, followed by the U.S. at $870 million and Japan at $480 million.  Exports to China were down 14.1 per cent from the same period last year, while exports to the US were up 61.1 per cent and Japan 21.5 per cent.  Previously, cosmetics exports were concentrated in China. However, exports to other countries are gradually increasing.