Ministry of Industry and KOTRA Boost 'K-Consumer Goods' Export Momentum... 500 Domestic and Overseas Companies Gather in One Place

'2025 Korea Consumer Goods & Services Export Fair'
Focus on Diversifying Distribution Channels and Pioneering New Markets
Korean Consumer Goods Show Continued Growth in Q1 This Year
Comprehensive Support for 'K-Lifestyle' Export Expansion

Domestic consumer goods and service companies gather to explore ways to diversify distribution channels and expand exports.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) announced that they will hold the '2025 Korea Consumer Goods & Services Export Fair (K-Lifestyle Showcase 2025)' for two days starting from the 15th at COEX in Seoul. This event is organized to secure momentum for export expansion and to support active response to the changing global market environment, with participation from about 300 domestic consumer goods and service companies and about 200 overseas buyers.

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the export value of the top five promising consumer goods in the first quarter of this year reached a total of 10.8 billion USD, an 8.5% increase compared to the same period last year. In particular, exports of K-Beauty (2.6 billion USD) and K-Food (2.9 billion USD) grew by 9% and 14% respectively, showing a favorable trend led by small and medium-sized enterprises and mid-sized companies. Accordingly, the event will operate showcase halls such as 'K-Beauty', 'K-Food', and 'K-Household Goods', with over 2,000 one-on-one export consultations scheduled.

KOTRA Headquarters Building. Provided by KOTRA

The core of this export fair is diversification of distribution channels and pioneering new markets. In the 'Distribution Channel Hall', support for online exports to the U.S. is provided in partnership with Amazon. Especially, with the U.S. government's abolition of duty-free exemption on imports under 800 USD from China and Hong Kong, effective from the 2nd of this month, the price competitiveness of Korean products has been highlighted, raising expectations for entry into the U.S. market.

Additionally, e-commerce export support programs linked with Shopee, eBay Japan, and TikTok target Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, and a 'Halal Hall' aimed at the global halal market of 2 billion people is also operated. Consultations between domestic halal-certified companies and buyers will take place, along with support for global expansion using cross-certification.

In the service sector, about 100 promising companies in franchises, edutech, and content participate, conducting over 400 business-to-business (B2B) consultations. The 'Buyer Lounge' provides a space where over 200 overseas buyers from 34 countries can taste and review Korean franchise food, helping our companies understand local consumer preferences.

KOTRA operates various booths at the consultation site, including the 'Customs Response 119 Booth' for receiving export difficulties and customs response, the 'Specialized Trading Company Booth' for domestic and startup companies, and the 'KOTRA Export Consultation Booth' for integrated export support guidance. During the two-day consultation, a total of 26 contracts and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) worth 5.5 million USD are signed, showing tangible results.

For example, Chinese buyer company O signed an export MOU worth 1 million USD with domestic food company D. O stated, "While looking for a seasoning supplier for distribution in China, we contacted D in advance and signed the MOU at the first on-site meeting."

Also, franchise company S, which opened its first store in Japan last year with KOTRA's support, will hold consultations with buyers from the U.S., Australia, and Mongolia at this event. A representative of S said, "We had a good opportunity through the Buyer Lounge last year, and we hope this year will also be a chance to expand overseas entry."

KOTRA President Kang Kyung-sung said, "I hope this event will be a practical stepping stone for our companies to expand exports amid the changing global market trends," and added, "We will continue to support the global expansion of K-Lifestyle in various ways."