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The "K-Wave" economy: How Korean beauty exports are reshaping U.S. retail
South Korea’s cosmetics exports grew 20.3% year-on-year to $3.61 billion in Q1 2025, driven by K-pop influence and 56.9% U.S. e-commerce sales, reshaping global market dynamics.
- In Q1 of 2025, South Korea exported $3.61 billion in cosmetics, marking a 20.3% year-on-year increase, International Trade Council data shows.
- Amid rising K-wave influence, pop culture exports like K-pop acts BTS and Blackpink and streaming hits such as `K-pop Demon Hunters` have boosted South Korea’s demand, while e-commerce enables direct sales to United States consumers.
- The export mix highlights staples such as toners and moisturizers, with basic skincare accounting for 41.7% of South Korea’s exports, while United States exports stood at $3.57 billion with 1.1% growth.
- U.S. retailers face pressure to adapt as 41.7% of South Korea’s cosmetics exports reach the United States, prompting strategies like partnering with Korean brands.
- Subsequent quarters show continued strength as South Korea remains behind France, with Korea Customs Service projecting double-digit growth into 2026.
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Total News Sources27
Leaning Left1Leaning Right1Center21Last UpdatedBias Distribution91% Center
Bias Distribution
- 91% of the sources are Center
91% Center
C 91%
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