From January to May this year, exports of the four leading consumer goods categories by small and medium-sized enterprises totaled $9.58 billion, up 16.4% from the same period last year.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups on the 15th released the export status of the four leading consumer goods categories by small and medium-sized enterprises. The four leading consumer goods categories are cosmetics; fashion and apparel; agricultural, fisheries, and food products; and household and baby products.
The share of the four consumer goods categories in total SME exports expanded to 18.4%. The number of exporting companies rose to 27,000, up 5.2% from a year earlier, outpacing the overall SME export growth rate (2.1%). By region, growth continued in major markets such as the United States, China, and Japan. Market diversification also progressed, led by Europe (39.6%) and Latin America (66.1%).
By item, cosmetics exports rose 28.6% year over year to $4.09 billion, the highest performance among the categories. From March to May, cosmetics set new monthly export records for three consecutive months, marking the highest total for January–May on record.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) analyzed that competitiveness built around basic skincare and makeup products has expanded to items such as sheet masks and body care, boosting global demand. In particular, the growth rate was high in Europe (61.1%) and Latin America (153.5%).
Exports of agricultural, fisheries, and food products increased 16.0% to $2.68 billion. Gim (roasted seaweed) and other seaweeds led the export expansion. Exports of other seafood such as mackerel also increased, centered on the European and African markets.
Fashion and apparel exports rose 13.6% to $850 million. In addition to existing designer brands and sports-casual products, growing interest in idol fashion and street fashion drove up exports by emerging designer brands and lifewear corporations. In contrast, exports of household and baby products fell 1.7% to $1.97 billion from the same period last year.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) assessed that SME consumer goods exports are expanding not only in major export markets but also into new markets such as Europe and Latin America.
First Vice Minister Noh Yong-seok of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) said, "Despite a challenging external environment, including the spread of global protectionism and wars, small and medium-sized enterprises are setting new export records day after day based on diversity and innovation," and added, "This shows that diversifying export markets through excellent products is the solution to overcoming the crisis."