Korea’s health industry exports reached an all-time high in the first half of 2025, fueled by robust overseas demand for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, according to data released by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) on Wednesday.

KHIDI reported that health industry exports totaled $13.79 billion from January to June, marking a 13.2 percent increase from $12.18 billion during the same period last year. The figure places health industry exports eighth among Korea’s top 10 export sectors, surpassing automotive parts and displays.

By segment, cosmetics led with $5.51 billion in exports, followed closely by pharmaceuticals at $5.38 billion, while medical devices accounted for $2.91 billion.

Both cosmetics and pharmaceuticals achieved their highest-ever half-year results, offsetting a slight decline in medical device exports.

Notably, pharmaceutical exports climbed 20.5 percent year-on-year, driven largely by biopharmaceuticals and vaccines.

Biopharmaceutical exports surged 27.4 percent to $3.41 billion, representing 63.4 percent of total pharmaceutical exports.

Compared to the same period last year, key markets included the U.S., up 41.4 percent, Hungary, 26.8 percent, Germany 66.7 percent, Switzerland 76.9 percent, and the Netherlands, which saw an exceptional 719.8 percent increase.

Vaccine exports also rose 53.3 percent, bolstered by shipments to African nations such as Sudan (397.3 percent) and first-time exports worth $10 million each to South Sudan and Congo.

Cosmetics exports driven by U.S., Hong Kong, and Poland

Cosmetics exports increased 14.9 percent year-on-year, supported by strong performance in basic skincare products, which made up 74.6 percent of total cosmetics exports and climbed 14.8 percent to $4.11 billion.

The U.S. (up 16.4 percent), Hong Kong (38 percent), and Poland (133 percent) drove the gains, offsetting declines in China (-8.7 percent) and Vietnam (-20.2 percent).

Color cosmetics exports jumped 17.3 percent to $750 million, with sharp increases in Japan (38.3 percent) and France (107.1 percent), despite a 30.4 percent drop in China. Body cleansing products also grew 22.2 percent to $270 million.

Medical device exports dipped slightly by 0.6 percent to $2.91 billion, mainly due to a 21.7 percent decline in dental implant exports, with steep falls in China (-30.1 percent), the U.S. (-41.6 percent), and the Netherlands (-69.9 percent).

However, ultrasound diagnostic devices posted record half-year exports of $440 million, up 9.2 percent, led by growth in the U.S. (9.8 percent), China (22.9 percent), and India (29.2 percent). Electric medical devices also performed strongly, with exports to the U.S. rising 37 percent and to Thailand 79.9 percent.

KHIDI's Biohealth Innovation Planning Division head Lee Byung-kwan expressed optimism for continued growth in the second half of the year.

“We expect exports to maintain strong momentum, particularly in biopharmaceuticals and core cosmetics categories,” Lee said. “However, with external uncertainties such as changes in U.S. tariff policies, it is critical to closely monitor market dynamics and adopt cautious, strategic responses.”