Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy: "K-Beauty, 10th Largest Export Industry... Proactive Efforts to Resolve Trade Difficulties for Korean Companies"

'General Legal Affairs Caravan' 6th Briefing Session

The government will hold a briefing session on trade norms and response strategies for cosmetics export companies to sustain the recent upward trend in cosmetics exports.

On the 20th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will host a briefing session titled "The 6th Trade Law Caravan: Trade Norms and Dispute Response Strategies for Overseas Expansion of the Cosmetics Industry" at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul, attended by about 100 people including domestic and international cosmetics industry and trade law experts and industry stakeholders.

Foreign customers, mostly tourists, are selecting cosmetics at a cosmetics shopping mall in Myeongdong, Seoul. Photo by Heo Younghan younghan@

This briefing session was held to explain cosmetics-related regulations of major countries and support the strengthening of trade capabilities for the cosmetics export industry, which is gaining new momentum through market diversification.

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, cosmetics exports have recently shown a favorable trend. After dropping to $717 million in February this year, exports reached $926 million in September and $1.037 billion in October, marking the first time monthly export value exceeded $1 billion.

At the briefing session, domestic and international trade law experts shared topics on cosmetics exports including ▲complex regulations on safety, advertising, and sales in major markets such as the United States, European Union (EU), and China ▲strategies for preventing and resolving international disputes ▲cases of overseas expansion, enhancing the cosmetics industry's understanding and interest in global trade norms.

No Geon-gi, Director of Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, said, "The cosmetics industry is a key player in 'Export One Team Korea,' ranking within the top 10 in both export value and trade balance by item in our country," adding, "The government will proactively work to resolve difficulties faced by our companies in the trade environment."

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy plans to continue holding briefing sessions targeting major sectors to actively support resolving difficulties faced by Korean companies and enhancing global competitiveness amid the evolving trade environment.