Korea's biohealth industry recorded the largest half-year export performance in history of 16.12 billion dollars in the first half of 2026, demonstrating remarkable growth of 17.5% year-over-year and once again proving the strength of 'K-biohealth' in the global market.

Korea's biohealth industry exports reached 16.12 billion dollars, the largest half-year figure on record, representing a 17.5% increase compared to the same period last year, the Korea Health Industry Development Institute announced on the 21st. This result is driven by dual growth in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors, demonstrating that the global status of K-biohealth is being further strengthened.

By sector, cosmetics exports surged to 6.98 billion dollars, marking the largest growth rate at 26.9% year-over-year. Pharmaceutical exports recorded 6.06 billion dollars, up 14.1%, while medical devices reached 3.08 billion dollars, up 5.9%.

In particular, basic cosmetic products, which account for approximately 80% of cosmetics exports, achieved 5.47 billion dollars, recording the largest half-year performance with explosive growth of 33.1% year-over-year. Sharp demand increases in Western markets such as the United States (1.1 billion dollars, up 49.6%), United Kingdom (220 million dollars, up 174.0%), and the Netherlands (160 million dollars, up 297.7%) drove the growth trend.

[Photo=Yonhapnews]

Pharmaceutical exports were led by biopharmaceuticals, which account for over 65% of total pharmaceutical exports. The significant increase in biopharmaceutical demand from European countries such as Switzerland, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Italy is analyzed as a major factor. Additionally, medical devices, supported by increased demand for ultrasound imaging systems, showed meaningful recovery as half-year exports turned positive for the first time in four years.

Choi Young-im, head of the Biohealth Innovation Planning Division at the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, stated, "Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals continued solid growth, recording the largest half-year performance in history," and added, "Global demand centered on basic cosmetics and biopharmaceuticals is expected to continue in the second half of the year."

As such solid growth continues, Korea's biohealth industry is firmly establishing its role as a new growth engine for the national economy, and is expected to further strengthen its position in the global market.