The K-beauty industry thrives with record export growth as social media influences panic buying among U.S. consumers in light of tariff threats.
**K-Beauty Boom Faces Uncertainty as U.S. Tariffs Loom**
**K-Beauty Boom Faces Uncertainty as U.S. Tariffs Loom**
American consumers stockpile Korean cosmetics anticipating tariff increases, risking price hikes on beloved products.
As the trade climate becomes increasingly tenuous, American consumers of Korean cosmetics and skin-care products are experiencing a purchasing frenzy. The news of potential tariffs on South Korean goods has given rise to bulk buying behaviors, with many shoppers striving to secure their favorite items before prices inevitably rise. Online shopping has become a common method for these consumers—mostly millennials and Gen Z—leading to inflated purchases of popular products such as eyeliners, sunscreens, and moisturizers.
Influencers on social media platforms are sharing their extensive hauls, spurring their followers to do the same. Taylor Bosman Teague, an influencer with a significant following on TikTok, expressed her determination to retain access to Korean skincare by revealing her large purchases, stating, "The future is uncertain, but there is one thing I am certain about: I am not willing to lose certain Korean skin-care products."
This buying rush originates from President Trump's announcement of potential tariffs back in April. Although the tariffs are currently suspended for negotiation purposes, uncertainty has intensified with Trump's recent remarks about enforcing a 25 percent duty on a wide array of goods from South Korea and Japan if trade talks do not yield results by August 1.
This trade discourse is particularly critical given the booming status of the K-beauty sector, which has enjoyed unprecedented growth recently, bolstered by the popularity of K-pop and K-dramas. According to South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, cosmetics exports hit a record $5.5 billion during the first half of this year—an increase of close to 15 percent compared to the same period in 2024. Major beauty firm Amorepacific has also reported a striking 40 percent year-on-year increase in international sales.
As the situation continues to unfold, both consumers and businesses remain vigilant, anticipating the possible impact of tariffs on their beloved K-beauty products.
Influencers on social media platforms are sharing their extensive hauls, spurring their followers to do the same. Taylor Bosman Teague, an influencer with a significant following on TikTok, expressed her determination to retain access to Korean skincare by revealing her large purchases, stating, "The future is uncertain, but there is one thing I am certain about: I am not willing to lose certain Korean skin-care products."
This buying rush originates from President Trump's announcement of potential tariffs back in April. Although the tariffs are currently suspended for negotiation purposes, uncertainty has intensified with Trump's recent remarks about enforcing a 25 percent duty on a wide array of goods from South Korea and Japan if trade talks do not yield results by August 1.
This trade discourse is particularly critical given the booming status of the K-beauty sector, which has enjoyed unprecedented growth recently, bolstered by the popularity of K-pop and K-dramas. According to South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, cosmetics exports hit a record $5.5 billion during the first half of this year—an increase of close to 15 percent compared to the same period in 2024. Major beauty firm Amorepacific has also reported a striking 40 percent year-on-year increase in international sales.
As the situation continues to unfold, both consumers and businesses remain vigilant, anticipating the possible impact of tariffs on their beloved K-beauty products.
