A government chart shows the export value and number of South Korean small and medium-sized exporters in four promising consumer product categories. Data from Ministry of SMEs and Startups. Graphic by Asia Today and translated by UPI
June 15 (Asia Today) -- Exports of four promising consumer product categories by South Korean small and medium-sized companies reached a record $9.58 billion during the first five months of 2026, led by strong overseas demand for Korean cosmetics, food and fashion.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups said Monday that combined exports of cosmetics, agricultural and fishery products, household and baby goods and fashion apparel increased 16.4% from the same period last year.
The growth substantially exceeded the 9.3% increase recorded by overall small and medium-sized enterprise exports during the period.
Cosmetics remained the largest export category for South Korean SMEs, rising 28.6% to $4.09 billion.
