As the possibility of tariffs on Korean beauty products grows, American consumers are rushing to stock up, leading to a significant surge in sales and social media buzz.
K-Beauty Shoppers Rush to Stockpile Amid Tariff Fears
K-Beauty Shoppers Rush to Stockpile Amid Tariff Fears
American customers flock to online stores to buy Korean cosmetics as tariffs loom over imports.
In the face of looming tariffs, American beauty enthusiasts are flooding online retailers to secure their favorite Korean skincare and cosmetic products. Esther Lee, a 32-year-old marketing agency owner from Los Angeles, recently purchased a year’s worth of Korean eyeliners and sunscreens, costing her family hundreds of dollars. The surge in purchasing is part of a larger trend, with countless consumers across the U.S. preparing for potential price increases as President Trump has threatened to impose a hefty 25 percent tariff on imports from South Korea.
K-beauty enthusiasts have taken to social media to document their shopping hauls. Influencer Taylor Bosman Teague declared her commitment to K-beauty, stating, “The future is uncertain, but there is one thing I am certain about. I am not willing to lose certain Korean skin-care products.” Panic buying first sparked in April, after Trump floated the idea of imposing tariffs, and despite his subsequent suspension of those plans to allow for negotiations, he recently reiterated the looming threat following stalled discussions.
The Korean beauty industry is currently experiencing a boom, coinciding with the worldwide popularity of K-pop and K-drama culture. Official reports reveal that South Korean cosmetic exports reached an unprecedented $5.5 billion in the first half of the year, marking a nearly 15 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Prominent beauty company Amorepacific reported a remarkable 40 percent rise in overseas sales over the past year, showcasing just how significant American consumers have become in the K-beauty market.
