Seoul: South Korea's exports of cosmetic products exceeded US$10 billion last year, marking a significant milestone for the K-beauty industry, government data showed Monday. The combined shipments of cosmetic products jumped 20.6 percent on-year to an all-time high of $10.2 billion in 2024, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said in a press release.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the record result was helped by the growing popularity of Korean cultural content, such as K-pop and K-dramas. This cultural influence has significantly boosted the global demand for South Korean cosmetics, leading to increased exports.

By country, China was the biggest importer of South Korean cosmetics, with purchases worth $2.5 billion. The United States followed with $1.9 billion, and Japan imported $1 billion worth of cosmetic products. These figures underline the strong international appeal and acceptance of K-beauty products.

Food Minister Oh Yu-Kyoung stated in the release that the government plans to strengthen cooperation with trading partner countries. This effort aims to help local firms continue the growth of cosmetic exports while ensuring they meet safety standards in the U.S. and China.