South Korean cosmetics exports to Russia hit a record high in June 2026

Shipments of South Korean cosmetics to Russia nearly doubled in June 2026 compared to the same month a year earlier, reaching an all-time high, according to data from the Korea Customs Service.

In June, exports of skincare and color cosmetics to Russia totaled US$48.8 million (RUB 4.2 billion), the highest monthly figure ever recorded in bilateral trade. Compared with May, exports increased 1.5 times (+50%), while year-on-year they rose 1.7 times (+70%).

The growth was driven primarily by skincare products, whose exports reached US$46.6 million (RUB 4.0 billion), up 43% month-on-month and 80% year-on-year.

Several product categories posted record monthly growth:

• Lip products: +200%
• Eye makeup products: +180%
• Nail products: +28%

The only category to decline slightly was face powders (-3%).

Russia climbed to 5th place among the world’s largest importers of South Korean cosmetics in June, up from 8th place in May and 6th place a year earlier. The top four importers remain the United States, China, Japan, and Hong Kong.

During the first half of 2026, South Korea exported US$212.5 million (RUB 18.3 billion) worth of cosmetics to Russia, 24% more than during the same period in 2025.