One year of the 15% US tariff: how did you adjust your pricing?
It's been a year since the 15% US tariff on Korean goods took effect on Aug. 7, 2025.
What happened then
- In the first 10 days of August, cosmetics exports to the US fell 37.2% month on month to $36.9M
- Basic skincare nearly halved, from $24.22M to $12.46M
- Companies had pre-stocked US subsidiaries before the tariff, then cut shipments and sold down inventory
A year later US exports in H1 2026 were $1.45B, actually up 41.5%, and the US stayed the No. 1 destination for a second year. The initial shock was real, but demand didn't break.
Behind the totals, though, brands reacted very differently: some raised prices, some changed sizes or bundles, some ate the margin, some are looking at US-based production.
Poll
How did you handle US pricing after the tariff?
- Raised retail prices
- Changed size or bundles
- Absorbed it in margin
- Moved to US production or stock
- Not selling in the US yet
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Tell us in the comments how your choice worked out.
Source: KED Global — K-beauty, K-food exports to US jolted as 15% tariffs go into effect · Seoul Economic Daily — K-Beauty Exports Hit Record $7 Billion in First Half
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