The Korea Customs Service on July 22 said cosmetic exports to Japan in the first half of this year reached USD 480 million (KRW 668 billion), a 21.5% jump from the same period last year. Shown is a lipstick display on July 17 at a hypermarket in Seoul. (Yonhap News)

By Lee Jihae

Cosmetic companies are seeing rapid growth on the Japanese market.

The rise of cosmetic exports to Japan is thanks to domestic companies using strategies reflecting the Japanese distribution structure and consumption traits, plus the rising influence of Korea's cosmetic and beauty sector due to Hallyu (Korean Wave).

The Korea Customs Service on July 22 released trade data saying cosmetic exports to Japan in the first half of this year reached USD 480 million (KRW 668 billion), a 21.5% jump year on year.

Such shipments last year hit a record-high USD 806 million (KRW 1.12 trillion) on an annual basis.

Cosmetic giant AmorePacific last year saw a 30% rise in sales to Japan from 2022.

Domestic rival Aekyung in this year's first quarter doubled its turnover on that market year on year.

Missha, a brand run by Able C&C, showed strong sales growth of basic and color cosmetics.

jihlee08@korea.kr