Biohealth Exports to Surpass $30 Billion Next Year, Setting New All-Time High

Korea Health Industry Development Institute Projects 9% Growth Over This Year
Expansion in US and European Markets Alongside the K-Beauty Boom

Next year, South Korea's biohealth industry exports are expected to surpass $30 billion for the first time in history. Strengthened presence in advanced markets such as the United States and Europe, along with the global expansion of K-beauty, are projected to drive record-breaking performance.

According to the "Biohealth Industry Export Trends in 2025 and Outlook for 2026" released by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute on December 18, 2025, biohealth exports in 2026 are projected to reach $30.4 billion, a 9.0% increase from this year.

This year, biohealth exports are estimated to have reached $27.9 billion, up 10.6% from the previous year. The sharp increase in demand for biopharmaceuticals and cosmetics in the United States and Europe played a significant role in this growth.

Biopharmaceutical exports led the growth, surging by 25.7% year-on-year, driven by increased demand in the United States and Europe. In addition, exports of in vitro diagnostic devices rebounded, and sales of general medical devices such as ultrasound imaging systems remained stable. Although the growth of cosmetics in the Asian market slowed due to low-cost competition from China, the sector achieved explosive growth in North America (19.5%) and Europe (41.1%), successfully diversifying its market base.

The Korea Health Industry Development Institute expects balanced growth across all sectors-including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and cosmetics-to continue next year.

By sector, pharmaceutical exports are projected to reach $11.7 billion, up 10.5% from the previous year. The strengthening of domestic contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) capabilities and the expansion of overseas approvals for botulinum toxin products are cited as positive factors. Medical device exports are expected to grow by 4.5% to $6.2 billion, driven by increased demand for diagnostic devices due to an aging population and expanded exports of aesthetic medical lasers fueled by the popularity of K-beauty. Cosmetics exports are also anticipated to grow by 9.9% to $12.5 billion, thanks to rising global recognition and accelerated entry into emerging markets.

Lee Byungkwan, Head of the Biohealth Innovation Planning Division at the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, stated, "Next year's exports are expected to set a new record, supported by the diversification of the cosmetics market and the solid growth of pharmaceuticals. However, considering the uncertainties in the global trade environment and the tightening of regulations in various countries, close cooperation between the government and companies is more important than ever to ensure continued growth."