South Korea has become the world’s second-largest cosmetics exporter, surpassing the United States in export value for the first four months of 2025. According to data released by the Korea International Trade Association and reported by Yonhap News Agency on Monday, South Korea exported $3.6 billion worth of cosmetics between January and April, narrowly edging out the United States, which exported $3.57 billion. France remains the global leader in cosmetics exports.
The development marks another rise in South Korea’s global cosmetics ranking after overtaking Germany last year and highlights the continuing international appeal of K-beauty products. The news triggered a sharp rally in South Korean beauty and aesthetic-related stocks, with multiple companies reaching new 52-week highs.
Kolmar Korea surged 8.83 percent to close at 99,800 won ($73.81), hitting a 52-week peak of 104,000 won during intraday trading. Other major gains included Amorepacific (+4.19%), APR (+3.70%), Cosmax (+3.33%), Silicon 2 (+10.57%), and d’Alba (+6.43%). APR, d’Alba, and Silicon 2 also reached fresh 52-week highs, with some intraday increases exceeding 13%.
The positive momentum extended to medical technology and aesthetic device manufacturers. Medytox rose 9.21%, Hugel gained 5.15%, PharmaResearch added 1.65%, Classys increased by 1.13%, SMCG jumped 13.33%, and CSA Cosmic rose 1.30%. Hugel, SMCG, and CSA Cosmic also recorded new 52-week highs.
Analysts cited by Yonhap said the rally was driven by strong performance expectations ahead of the export data release. They noted that growing demand from European markets and stable interest from U.S. consumers, despite the ongoing tariff threat, are contributing to sustained growth across the Korean cosmetics and beauty tech sectors.
METAL WORLD | UK to Support Domestic Steel Industry with New Trade Measures
