Korean cosmetics exports hit a record $8.52 billion (about ₩12.2 trillion) in the first three quarters, driven by global K-beauty demand, but company-by-company results are mixed. APR reported a record Q3 with KRW 385.9 billion revenue and KRW 96.1 billion operating profit—up 122% and 253% year-on-year—driven by strong U.S. sales (KRW 150.5 billion) and overseas revenue making up 80% of total. APR plans to grow U.S. offline sales via ULTA (a major U.S. beauty retailer). AmorePacific posted a 41% rise in Q3 operating profit, boosted by overseas gains for brands like Laneige and Innisfree. Dalba Global missed market expectations despite revenue and international sales growth; it cited off-seasonality and preemptive marketing spend but expects improvement in Q4 and aims for 5,000 overseas store listings by year-end. Aekyung’s cosmetics division saw sales and operating profit decline, hurt by weaker Chinese consumption. Overall, while export totals and several flagship companies show strong global momentum, smaller brands face uneven performance and margin pressures.
