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South Korea Surges as World's Second-Largest Cosmetics Exporter

1/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

South Korea became the world’s second-largest cosmetics exporter, with exports at $10.3 billion in 2025, driven by K-pop and the 'glass skin' trend.
China’s cosmetics exports reached $3.99 billion in 2025, up 8.7% from the previous year.
China’s domestic brands gain market share, with imports dropping 3.4%.
Xie Roumei, a 28-year-old accountant from Fujian, China, has favored South Korean cosmetics since high school.

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Story summary

South Korea became the world’s second-largest cosmetics exporter, with exports at $10.3 billion in 2025, driven by K-pop and the 'glass skin' trend.
China’s cosmetics exports reached $3.99 billion in 2025, up 8.7% from the previous year.
China’s domestic brands gain market share, with imports dropping 3.4%.
Xie Roumei, a 28-year-old accountant from Fujian, China, has favored South Korean cosmetics since high school.