Consumers across the U.S. are taking to online shopping to stock up on Korean beauty products in anticipation of potential tariff hikes, reflecting a growing trend in the K-beauty market that has thrived amidst rising popularity.
K-Beauty Boom: U.S. Consumers Stockpiling Amid Potential Tariffs
K-Beauty Boom: U.S. Consumers Stockpiling Amid Potential Tariffs
As tariffs loom, American shoppers rush to buy Korean cosmetics and skincare products in bulk.
In the face of looming tariffs on South Korean imports, Korean cosmetic and skincare product enthusiasts in the United States are scrambling to secure their favorite items. Esther Lee, a 32-year-old marketing professional from Los Angeles, spent hundreds of dollars purchasing a year’s supply of Korean eyeliners and sunscreens, nearly tripling her usual purchase amount. Her reaction mirrors that of many K-beauty consumers who are preparing for a possible price increase due to tariffs as high as 25 percent.
The panic buying frenzy began in April following President Trump's announcement of potential tariffs on South Korean exports. Though those plans were initially suspended to pave the way for negotiations, significant uncertainty looms as Trump recently renewed the possibility of imposing substantial tariffs on a wide range of goods from South Korea and Japan. This uncertainty has notably impacted the thriving K-beauty sector, which has witnessed exponential growth alongside the global rise of K-pop and K-dramas.
Recent data from South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety indicates that cosmetic exports reached an unprecedented $5.5 billion in the first half of this year, marking a nearly 15 percent increase from the same period in 2024. Amorepacific, South Korea's leading beauty brand, reported an impressive 40 percent rise in overseas sales compared to last year.
Social media influencers are also getting in on the action. Taylor Bosman Teague, a popular figure on TikTok, shared her large shopping haul with her substantial following, emphasizing her refusal to lose access to Korean skincare staples. As the industry braces for the potential economic impact of tariffs, shoppers are making every effort to plan ahead, reflecting an intense commitment to their K-beauty products as they navigate an increasingly uncertain future.
The panic buying frenzy began in April following President Trump's announcement of potential tariffs on South Korean exports. Though those plans were initially suspended to pave the way for negotiations, significant uncertainty looms as Trump recently renewed the possibility of imposing substantial tariffs on a wide range of goods from South Korea and Japan. This uncertainty has notably impacted the thriving K-beauty sector, which has witnessed exponential growth alongside the global rise of K-pop and K-dramas.
Recent data from South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety indicates that cosmetic exports reached an unprecedented $5.5 billion in the first half of this year, marking a nearly 15 percent increase from the same period in 2024. Amorepacific, South Korea's leading beauty brand, reported an impressive 40 percent rise in overseas sales compared to last year.
Social media influencers are also getting in on the action. Taylor Bosman Teague, a popular figure on TikTok, shared her large shopping haul with her substantial following, emphasizing her refusal to lose access to Korean skincare staples. As the industry braces for the potential economic impact of tariffs, shoppers are making every effort to plan ahead, reflecting an intense commitment to their K-beauty products as they navigate an increasingly uncertain future.
