Exports of consumer goods to China have shown a rebound for the first time in five years, prompting KOTRA to hold export consultation meetings in Daegu and Cheongju to expand the export base for Korean consumer goods among local companies.
On October 19, KOTRA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, invited ten major buyers with both online and offline distribution networks in China, including Douyin and Puxing Group, to participate in the 'K-Consumer Goods Export Consultation Meeting' in Daegu. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for October 22 in Cheongju.
The meetings were organized in response to a surge in demand for Korean consumer goods, particularly through new channels such as live commerce and membership-based distribution networks in China. From January to August this year, exports of five major consumer goods categories—cosmetics, food, fashion, pharmaceuticals, and household items—amounted to $4.52 billion (approximately 6.32 trillion won), marking an 8.4% increase compared to the same period last year and the first rise in five years.
Chinese buyers participating in the consultations have proposed specific desired items tailored to their channel characteristics. Douyin is particularly interested in health supplements, while Puxing Group is focused on cosmetics linked to the Korean Wave. Online distributor Weilingke hopes to import waterproof sunscreen.
Demand from offline channels is also specific. 'Chunfeng,' which operates a membership-based mart with 300,000 members, is looking for snack and beverage companies, while Qingdao distributor 'Hechuntang' is exploring companies that offer hair loss management and dye products. Dalian's 'Weiyi' plans to expand its import range to include cosmetics and health supplements.
The Daegu meeting will focus on companies in the cosmetics, food, and fashion sectors, while the Cheongju meeting will be centered around beauty and beauty device companies in conjunction with the Osong Cosmetics and Beauty Expo.
Gang Sang-yeop, KOTRA's Vice President and Head of the Small and Medium Enterprises Division, stated, "Since last year, business cooperation between Korea and China has become more active, and we are beginning to see results in the consumer goods sector. We will actively support collaboration with major Chinese distribution networks such as Douyin, JD, and Alibaba, as well as joint entry with domestic distribution networks, to ensure that related achievements can be expanded to local companies."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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