Fact Check: South Korea is the world's second-largest cosmetics exporter.

Fact Check: South Korea is the world's second-largest cosmetics exporter

What We Know

Recent data indicates that South Korea has indeed surpassed the United States in cosmetics exports, making it the world's second-largest cosmetics exporter, following France. According to the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), South Korea exported approximately $3.61 billion worth of cosmetics from January to April 2025, just edging out the U.S.'s $3.57 billion during the same period. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first time South Korea has overtaken the U.S. in this sector. In 2024, South Korea's total cosmetics exports reached $10.3 billion, which positioned it as the third-largest exporter globally, behind France and the U.S. (Korea Herald).

The growth of South Korea's cosmetics industry has been remarkable, with a reported increase of 20.3% in exports compared to previous years, outpacing the growth rates of both France and the U.S. (Straits Times). The rise of K-beauty products has contributed significantly to this growth, with increasing demand in emerging markets across Europe and the Middle East (Korea Herald).

Analysis

The claim that South Korea is the second-largest cosmetics exporter is supported by multiple credible sources. The data from KITA is particularly reliable as it is an official trade association that provides statistics on international trade. The figures reported align across various reputable news outlets, including The Straits Times and The Korea Herald, which both confirm the same export values and the context of South Korea's rise in the cosmetics market.

However, it is essential to consider the timing of these reports. The data reflects a specific period (January to April 2025) and is subject to change as new data becomes available. The rapid growth in South Korea's cosmetics exports is attributed to the global popularity of K-beauty products, which have gained traction in various international markets (ABP Live).

The sources used in this analysis are credible and provide consistent information, making them reliable for confirming the claim. There is no indication of bias in the reporting, as multiple independent outlets have corroborated the same facts.

Conclusion

The claim that "South Korea is the world's second-largest cosmetics exporter" is True. The evidence presented from reliable sources confirms that South Korea has surpassed the United States in cosmetics exports for the first time, making it the second-largest exporter globally, behind France. The growth trajectory of South Korea's cosmetics industry, particularly the rise of K-beauty, supports this claim.

Fact Check: South Korea is the world's second-largest cosmetics exporter.