Business · Markets · 4 hrs ago
South Korean consumer exports rise, led by cosmetics
South Korea’s cosmetics exports jumped 57.5% in October from a year earlier, reaching $1.44 billion.
Food and seafood exports rose 11.6% to $1.11 billion, while bio-health exports climbed 30.2% to $1.53 billion.
All three set October records, as the country seeks to expand exports beyond its major semiconductor trade.
Cosmetics exports have risen for 12 straight months, and sales grew in the United States, China, Europe and Southeast Asia.
More Korean products are entering large overseas retailers, while brands are also reaching consumers with products such as skin-care creams.
Food exports benefited from more sales outlets and a wider range of products, while medicines and biosimilars gained from new contracts and markets in Latin America.
The government says it will expand support for Korean consumer goods seeking to grow overseas.
South Korea’s cosmetics exports rose 57.5% year on year in October to $1.44 billion, the highest October figure on record.
Exports of agricultural and fishery products and biohealth products also reached record October highs.
Cosmetics exports grew for a 12th consecutive month, and January-to-October sales exceeded the total for all of last year.
Officials and industry representatives cited wider overseas retail networks, product differentiation and preparation for foreign market requirements as factors behind the growth.
Exports of fashion clothing and pharmaceuticals also increased, while household goods exports fell.
- Who
- South Korean exporters, led by cosmetics companies.
- What
- Consumer goods exports increased, with cosmetics exports up 57.5% year on year.
- When
- October 2026; the report was announced on November 4.
- Where
- South Korea, with exports rising to markets including the United States, China, the European Union and ASEAN.
- Why
- Sources cite broader overseas distribution networks, differentiated products, and preparation for foreign certifications and markets.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Cosmetics exports reached $1.44 billion, up 57.5% from a year earlier.
Trade Minister Kim Jeong-kwan visited Musinsa and Olive Young stores in Seoul’s Hongdae area and pledged continued support for Korean consumer goods.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced its October 2026 export and import figures.
- Cosmetics exports
- $1.44 billion in October, up 57.5% year on year
- Agricultural and fishery food exports
- $1.11 billion in October, up 11.6%
- Biohealth exports
- $1.53 billion in October, up 30.2%
- Cosmetics exports, January–October
- $12.569 billion, more than the full-year total for last year
- Fashion clothing exports
- $241 million in October, up 33.3%
- Household goods exports
- $747 million in October, down 13.4%
1 source
What people are saying
This year, the entry of Korean cosmetics into major retailers such as Sephora is becoming more established.
The government will continue to expand support for the global spread of Korean consumer goods.