For the first time in at least twenty years, excluding the Covid period, French cosmetics exports are declining. According to the FEBEA, they fell by 1.16% in the first ten months of 2025, in a context marked by the slowdown of the American market.
Over this period, exports reached €18.75 billion, whereas the sector had previously posted average annual growth of around 6%, points out Emmanuel Guichard, General Delegate of the FEBEA. “This is the first time in at least twenty years that we have not seen an increase,” he emphasizes.
According to the FEBEA, the entire decline can be explained by the downturn in the US market, the main destination for French cosmetics. Exports to the United States fell by 18% against a backdrop of rising customs duties.
Conversely, sales are growing in other markets. They are up 2% in China and 4% in the European Union, says Emmanuel Guichard, confirming the strong performance of exports outside the United States.
Imports on the rise
At the same time, imports of cosmetic products rose by 6% to €4.46 billion. This increase was driven in particular by flows from China, via platforms, and South Korea, buoyed by the craze for K-Beauty.
As a direct result, the sector’s trade balance stood at €14.29 billion, down €473 million compared to the first ten months of 2024, representing a decline of 3.2%.
“There is inevitably some uncertainty surrounding the last two months …
